The Life and Legacy of Pastor James L. Terry, Sr.

Born in Miami, FL on January 18, 1949 to Lilluard and Luella Terry, who would have ever thought that their little boy, James L. Terry would one day grow and become a great man of God that would lead many to Christ!

James L. (as he was called by his mother) has always been a family man, even at a young age. His siblings Helen, Ennis, Shirley, William, Richard, Christine, and Debra could all testify that he was the family prankster and nothing much changed. Since his youth, he always had an interest in sports and you could catch him yelling at his favorite team on Sundays while watching television. In high school he played football and graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1967. He attended Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, FL where he studied Physical Therapy and eventually met the love of his life, Helen Joe Mayhue. They were married on March 28, 1970, sharing and cherishing over 51 years together, until death parted them.

It was after college that things really took off for James L. He introduced four beautiful children into the world, daughters Michelle, Merian, and Jamie. He has one son, one that he earnestly prayed and asked God for, and God answered his request, James L. Jr. He was a Father, Daddy, the world's greatest role model, a snack buddy, politics debater, a Champion, their Hero! Besides enjoying fun family vacations, picnics, birthdays, and family holidays, James' greatest influence on his children and his greatest achievement in introducing his children to Jesus Christ. James was the bishop of his house. He covered, sheltered, and protected his wife and children and raised them up in the Reverence of God, teaching them to always put God first in their lives!

James L. grew up in church but rededicated his life to Christ and began answering God's call to work in the vineyard to gather souls for God's Great Harvest. After being officially ordained in 1985 by his spiritual mentor, Elder William Martin, Rev. James L. Terry, Sr. began fulfilling the vision that God gave him by establishing Christian Life Foundation Ministries, Inc. in Miami, FL. Many lives have been transformed through Christian Life Ministries only because of God's anointing on both the Ministry and on Rev. James L. Terry, Sr., Pastor/Teacher.

God gave Pastor Terry a profound vision before starting Christian Life Ministries. His vison and purpose was to present the Gospel of the kingdom of God in a way that is conducive to multi-ethnic groups of believers. He always felt that it was his duty and obligation to go into every man's world and reach that individual with the gospel that Jesus Christ preached, and the Apostles taught. God's purpose in the earth has to be accomplished and Pastor Terry would be certain to do his part to accomplish God's commission by preaching and teaching God's Word.

Pastor Terry was dedicated to giving out the Word of God in Spirit, Truth, Integrity and Power in order to help the believer rise up, be bold, and knowing who they are in Christ Jesus. He taught believers in Jesus Christ to reestablish their purpose for living in accordance with God's purpose for their life and to always walk in victorious living.

His favorite saying that he taught his family and lived by was "Once a job has begun, never leave unto it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all". Pastor Terry took care of his wife and family and he preached his last Tuesday Night Bible Study, despite having to use an oxygen machine to assist with breathing. Pastor James L. Terry, Sr.  fulfilled the purpose that God had for his life on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 6:34 pm.

Pastor James L. Terry, Sr. is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helen Mayhue Terry, daughters Michelle (Anthony); Merian (Penny); Jamie (Jonas); and son James Jr. (Margy); granddaughters Mica' Terry (Humberto); and Mikaela; grandson Jamarr; and Great-grandson Mason. All of Miami, FL. Sisters Helen (Sampson); Shirley (Winston); Christine (Vincent), and Debra (Jasper); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, parishioners, and friends.

Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ.

The battle is fought, the victory is won. Enter thy Master's Joy!