Rev James Saunders' Obituary
The Reverend James Leroy Saunders, 74, of Willingboro, NJ, a retired Episcopalian priest, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Reverend Saunders was born in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands on October 2, 1945 to Thomas and Catherine Saunders. He graduated from the United Theological College of the West Indies in 1971. On July 31, 1971, he married Hyacinth Leona Glinton. He was a loving father to his children, Vanessa and Stephen.
Reverend Saunders began his service to the Lord as a Methodist minister and served as the spiritual leader for several churches on the islands of Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and Long Island in the Bahamas. He moved his family to the United States in 1980 when he became the pastor of House of Prayer Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology and Scripture from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1989 but he had always believed that his greatest credential was his passion for Christ Jesus and His Church. During his tenure with the Diocese of Pennsylvania, he demonstrated his desire to help others through his affiliations with groups involved in providing services to the community. Reverend Saunders was Vice President of the Board of Directors of Children’s Services Inc., President of the Union of Black Episcopalians (Philadelphia Chapter) and a member of Congregations Organized for Public Engagement and the West Oak Lane Clergy Association. He visited Graterford Prison on numerous occasions to celebrate Mass with the prisoners.
After eighteen years at House of Prayer, Reverend Saunders brought his love of God and strong leadership to Christ the King Episcopal Church in Willingboro, NJ. He was installed as pastor of Christ the King on March 23, 2002. He helped Christ the King achieve the long-awaited dream of being reinstated as an Independent Parish on February 27, 2009 at the 225th Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey. He served as President of the Willingboro Clergy Association, President of the Black Clergy Caucus and was a member of the Earl B. Scott Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. He retired from Christ the King in October 2013. The Grand Turk Methodist Church in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands recognized his years of faithful ministry at their Bicentennial Anniversary celebration on September 21, 2019.
Reverend Saunders enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with friends and family. If he wasn’t on the golf course, you could find him at the home of one of “The Committee” members. The Committee was a group of his closest friends and he looked forward to getting together with them on Sundays after church to watch sports on television and engage in lively discussions about world politics. He will be remembered for his laugh and his easygoing manner. He was a good listener and many people benefited from his wise counsel.
Reverend Saunders is survived by his wife of 48 years, Hyacinth; his son, Stephen Saunders; his daughter, Vanessa Saunders; his granddaughter, Layla Saunders; his brothers Thomas Saunders Jr. (Pauline), Carlton Saunders (Antonise) Michael Saunders (Sophia), Henry Saunders (Wendy), Robert Saunders (Leleith) and Craig Archibold (Natasha); his sisters Patricia Missick (Mervin), Lucille Campbell (Raymond), Gertrude Forbes (Samuel), Gloria Robinson and Shirley Stubbs (Eric); his adopted sister, Geraldine Alleyne; his aunts Roselyn Gibson and Gertrude Smith; his uncle, Coleta Gibson Sr.; his brothers-in-law Earle Glinton and Frederick Glinton; his sisters-in-law Nevia Saunders, Wealthy Saunders, and Estelle Pinder and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles Saunders, Winston Saunders and Lionel Saunders; his sister, Clarita Williams; and his parents Thomas and Catherine Saunders.
Due to current circumstances, a private service will be held. The Reverend Canon James E. Wynn will officiate. A live stream will begin at 8:45am and the service will begin at 9:00am. Please see the tribute wall or media tab to access the stream. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Reverend Saunders' name may be made to Christ the King Episcopal Church, 40 Charleston Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046.
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