Dr. James Ballard Raiford, Sr.

Dr. James Ballard Raiford, Sr.               January 27, 1936 – June 7, 2019

Jim was born the youngest child of Fred and Rena Bailey Raiford, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  His homegoing joining his Savior was Thursday, June 7, 2019 at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, FL.

During his teen years Jim knew he was called to be a minister of the Gospel. Jim met his future wife Delores while attending youth activities at his sister’s church in New Orleans.  They married in 1957.  In 1965, he graduated from Southeastern Bible College earning a B.A. with a pre-seminary emphasis. Pursing further education, he graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s Degree in Theology in 1969. In addition, he completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary in 1990, where he also received the John G. Mitchell award. Jim pastored many churches, directed the Gulf Coast Bible Conference during summer for many years, and taught at Bible Colleges and established Calvary Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO.  He began James Raiford Ministries in 2005 when moving to Florida.  He resided with his daughter and son-in-law in Green Cove Springs and was a member of Hibernia Baptist Church. He loved being a part of the Joy Class and considered it a highlight of his life. Jim met one of his life goals when he completed his book, The Camouflaged Church.  He also enjoyed writing monthly online articles for his ministry website: jamesraiford.com.

Jim had many roles over his lifetime but wanted to be remembered as a faithful follower of Christ and loving son, husband, father, and grandfather.  Jim always longed to become more like his Savior, and deeply loved the Word of God.  He considered the Bible his life map and was devoted to studying scripture - not just for knowledge, but to know the author, his Lord.  He was an avid reader, and kept current with theological topics, trends in culture, and the most recent topics by Evangelical writers.   Jim had a sense of humor, enjoyed conversation, fellowship, time with family, travel, fishing, and eating seafood.   Jim and Dee demonstrated a faith and total reliance upon their Lord in their personal lives and as a couple. Jim loved his wife Dee in his words “beyond what he could express”.  They would have celebrated 62 years of marriage in August.  He was a wonderful father and grandfather and the family has a rich history of memories with him. 

Jim is survived by his wife Delores, his children: daughter Rebekah and son in law Wes Enochs (Dallas, TX), son James Jr. and daughter in law Betsy (Tupelo, MS), daughter Susanna and son in law Luke Stephens (Green Cove Springs, FL) . His 7 grandchildren: James Enochs, Jonathan Enochs, Bailey Raiford, Patrick Raiford, Peyton Raiford, Ginny Stephens, and William Stephens.  Extended family members include 1 sister in law, 6 nieces and 5 nephews.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, Fred and Rena, brothers Richard, Carl, and Robert, sisters Alma and Erlene, and infant Diane; nephew Robert Jr. (Bobby), and nieces Sylvia and Peggy.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Broadus-Raines Chapel.

A celebration of life service is scheduled at Hibernia Baptist Church, 7100 U.S. Hwy. 17 S, Fleming Island, FL on Friday, June 14, at 4:00 p.m. Officiants include Pastor Scott Yirka, Rev. Kurt Seboe, and Rev. George Maronge. Interment will be immediately following the service, at Penney Farms Cemetery on State Rd. 16 W, Penney Farms, FL officiated by nephew Rev. George Maronge.