James Rolfe

James Lee Rolfe was born May 8, 1927, to the late Armitty and Mary Henry Rolfe in Foreman, Arkansas. He was the ninth child of ten born to this union.

James confessed a hope in Christ in 1939 at St. John M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend R.B. Green. He remained a faithful member until his family moved to Hughes, Arkansas in 1942. After he and his family settled in Hughes in 1942, they farmed cotton, corn and gardened, James united with Local Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of J.P. Tony, where he served as a Junior Deacon. In 1945, James and his family left Hughes and moved to their new farm at Moscow, Arkansas, where they continued to farm. James and family then united with Cherry Hill M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Bankston, where he also served as a Junior Deacon. In 1953 James left the farm and moved to Detroit, MI. uniting with Zion Hope M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. P.M. Martin and was ordained as a Deacon in 1954.

James was employed by Ford Motor Company, where he worked for 32 years and 4 months. He was also employed during part of this time at Huzel Hospital for 20 years. In 1990 after retiring, James moved back to Moscow, AR where he resumed farming on the family farm. James united with New St. Hurricane M.B. Church and served as a Deacon. He later united with Liberty Hill M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Chatman.

James was united in holy matrimony on August 31, 2007, to Earnestine Tillman and there were no children born to this union. James was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Reserve Police Department in Detroit. His hobbies included farming, gardening, running, and early morning walking. James loved reading the Bible and singing. His favorite song to sing was, “When My Mission Work Is Done, I’ll Lay My Armor Down.”

James leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife-Earnestine; two daughters-Sharon (James) Mayweathers and Faye Rolfe both of Detroit, MI; one son-Anthony (Carol) Rolfe of Detroit, MI; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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