Obituary: James F. Eaves

James F. EavesJames F. Eaves, 90, in Houston. Eaves was born Oct. 29, 1925, in Gibson, Tenn. He served as a pilot and officer in the U.S. Air Force in World War II. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., he earned his master of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He was pastor of numerous congregations in Texas, New Mexico and Tennessee, including First Baptist Church in Bay City, Birdville Baptist Church in Fort Worth and Grace Baptist Church in Grandview, and he served as interim pastor of more than 30 churches in seven states. He was professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 17 years, and he continued as professor emeritus an additional 10 years. He was a guest professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Oxford University. Eaves also worked as director of evangelism and church growth development for the North American Mission Board. He was a trustee at Union University and also served on various other committees, commissions and boards in Baptist denominational life at the state and national levels. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeane; son, James Eaves of Emporia, Kan.; son, Mark Eaves, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, of Houston,; granddaughter, Marisa, and her husband, Ted LePak, of Wylie; sister, Mary Holland, of Jackson, Tenn; and several nephews and nieces.