Reverend Dr. James A. Nooks went home to be with his loving Savior, Jesus Christ on March 26, 2022. James was born on July 17, 1951, in Xenia, Ohio. James is preceded in death by his parents, James T. Nooks, and Idella J. Nooks; wife, Debra K. Nooks; sisters, Cassaundra Story and Patricia Nooks, and son-in-law, Shuan Evege. James is survived by his brother, Jonathan Nooks; daughters, Angela (Brentt) Hogan; Kisha (Torie) Williams; Anita (David) Lucas; Amy (Shuan) Evege; Breauna Nooks; and Gabrielle Nooks. Rev. Dr. Nooks also leaves behind several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James was a truly kind, and humble man that loved unconditionally and dedicated his life to serving God and others. James enjoyed teaching, preaching, playing sports, reading books—lots of books, laughing loudly, and spending quality time with his family. James was the author of the book, You Answer the Call or You Die: Let the Women Preach in the Black Baptist Church. He was a passionate advocate of people being allowed to operate in their God-given gifts and callings in the church as well as in their everyday lives.
James graduated from Xenia High school in 1969. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton, his Master of Industrial Management degree from Central Michigan University, his Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.
James retired from Navistar after 33 years of service. During his tenure at Navistar, he helped pioneer the Concerned African Americans of Navistar (CAAN) which was a part of his diversity and inclusion work. After retiring, he went on to become the first Hospice Advanced Chaplain for the Ohio Health Network serving at Ohio State Hospital and Riverside Hospital. Prior to working for Ohio Health, he worked for 33 years in various levels of management for Monsanto Research Corporation. Reverend Dr. Nooks served as youth minister at Restored Life and Mount Zion Baptist Church before becoming the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Yellow Spring, OH (1992-2005). He also led street ministries in the Springfield and Yellow Springs communities for several years and remained involved in those communities. He was a strong advocate for family connection and was involved in the organization and continuation of the Hall-Nooks family reunion.
With all of Rev. Dr. James Nooks’ accomplishments, he remained extremely humble and down to earth. He always had time for friends and family. James gave his time, energy, and resources to help anyone that was in need without any desire for recognition. James often quoted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous street sweeper speech, which sums up his views on humility and hard work:
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ``Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” Matthew 25:23
Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
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