James Jernigan
December 31, 1932 - May 16, 2022
Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home:
Reverend James Alton Jernigan of Dowagiac, MI, departed this life on May 16, 2022 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI. He was born December 31, 1932, Anniston, AL to the late James Jernigan and Bessie Bones Jernigan. He was the youngest child out of 4.
He was educated at Calvin County Training School, Hobson City, Al school system. He served in the United States Army for six years. He became a sergeant while serving in the army. He fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged. After retirement from the service he worked many years as a truck driver for Central Transport, South Bend, IN before retiring in 1994.
Reverend Jernigan professed his love for Christ at an early age. Throughout his life he worked in many capacities of the church as a deacon and was later called into the ministry and ordained under the leadership of the late Reverend W.L. Daniels, Mt Calvary Baptist Church.
He was a dedicated member of John W. Moore Lodge #42 and Miriam Chapter #56 OES Prince Hall Affiliation.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, sisters: Lula Pryor, Delphia M.Parmer, Lois Greene, daughter Linda Jernigan, step-daughter Nanette Watkins, and Godbrother, Deacon Johnny Gorman Sr.
He leaves to cherish his loving wife of over 30 years Lillie M. Jernigan of the residence, sons James Jernigan, Pensacola, FL, Ronald (Bertha) Miller, Anniston, AL, Ernest Hammond, Avondale, AR, Michael (Tina) Hammond, Niles, MI, daughter, Shonte’ Jernigan (Aaron Marsh), South Bend, IN, step-daughter, Victoria (Bernard) Roberts, Niles, MI, Brother-In- Law, Timothy (Marie) Shaw, Jennison, MI, sister-in-laws, Willie Mae Bacon, Flint, MI, Annette Shaw, Niles, MI, Ruth Shaw, Three Rivers, MI, Godsister, Eva Gorman, Berrien Springs, MI and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, and friends.
Funeral Service for Reverend Jernigan will be at 1 pm at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St., Niles, MI 49120, with Reverend Bryant L. Bacon Sr officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 pm prior to the service at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com