James Church

James E (Pooka, Marvin) Church entered his eternal rest after a short battle with lung cancer, June 22, 2025, with the love of his life and his sister, Bonita, by his side. James was born on November 3, 1969, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Andrew (Kirk) Davis and Betty (Lou Lou) Church.

James attended Massillon High School in Massillon, Ohio. James was baptized at Bethany Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio. After moving to Columbus, he became a member of the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church of Apostolic Faith under Bishop David Norman.

James worked various jobs; however, one of his favorite jobs was in transportation with Precise Mobility. Being a transporter brought joy to James, meeting new clients, driving them to their doctor, dialysis, and other medical appointments. James loved driving so much that he took some of his clients on trips to visit their families, who took him in as their own.

James was a kind-hearted and generous man, putting a smile on those he interacted with; his encouraging words and jokes always lifted spirits. James was a grill master, not allowing anyone to touch his grill; his take-over personality had him cooking on everyone's grill, cooking anything he could get his hands on. He was known for his delicious BBQ burritos. He loved spending time with his family and friends, showing off his grilling skills and trying to be the comedian of the party; he was never at a loss for words. After it was all said and done, his grand finale after hosting was setting off fireworks for everyone to gather and enjoy. James also enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Win, lose, or draw, he was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

James leaves to cherish his memory and legacy the love of his life, Edwina Church, and his children, Laura Church, Iyonna Stormer, Elaejah Church, Jeremiah Church, Michael Church of Columbus, Ohio, James Church of Lorain, Ohio, and Brandon Church of Canton, Ohio. James' siblings, Michael Church and Bonita Church of Cleveland, Ohio, Richard (Belinda) Davis and Margaret Rippton of Detroit, Michigan, and his bonus brother Tonny Victor of Virginia Beach, Virginia; in addition to the matriarch of the family his uncle Edward (Butch) Church of Lorain, Ohio as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. James was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew (Kirk) Davis and Betty (Lou Lou) Church, a brother, Andrew (Kirkie) Davis Jr., and a sister, Bernadette Pittmon.

\