Rev.James Dea Melton, age 84, of Springfield, MO, passed away Monday, August 29, 2011 at Jordan Creek. He was born September 21, 1926, in Springfield, MO, to Daniel and Mamie (Jennings) Melton. He was a member of Northwest Baptist Church. James received his B.A. Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Seminary and his Master’s in Education from Southwest Missouri State University. He was united in marriage to Marcia Ruth Cunningham on June 15, 1936 in Springfield. James pastored several area churches including Friendship Baptist Church of Willard, Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Fair Grove, Harmony Baptist Church, Rogersville, First Baptist Church of Forsyth, College Street Baptist Church, Webster Park Baptist Church , and Pythian Ave. Baptist Church.After leaving Pythian Ave. Baptist Church, James worked as the Assistant Director of Grand Oaks Mission Center. James retired in 2007 from North Star Baptist Church.During his ministry, James worked as a school bus driver for the Willard and Springfield school districts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Webster and Mamie Irene Melton; one son, Ronald Dea Melton; one brother, Clyde Melton; and one sister, Mary Joan Landers.
He is survived by his wife Marcia Ruth Melton of Springfield, MO; one son, Richard Melton and wife Gail, of Springfield;two grandchildren, Kimberly Crossland and husband Lee of Springfield and Courtney Melton of Atlanta, GA; two great – grandchildren Ashley and Taylor; one great- great grandchild Hailey; and a host of friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO with Burial will be in Clear Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Oaks Mission Center. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.