James Edward Grubbs was born On July 4, 1940 to the late Sidney and Stella Grubbs of Dothan, Alabama. He departed this life on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Ft. Gaines Health and Rehab Nursing Home, Ft.
Gaines, Georgia. James was raised in Henry County, AL during a time when the family worked together on the farm. The family later moved to Dothan, Alabama where he attended Dothan City Schools (DCS).
While in DCS, he meet Earline Rhodes whom he later married. The two moved from Dothan to New Jersey in search of something different, from this union three daughters were born. Music was his passion.
It open doors to places that many could only dream of. He sang and/or played the bass guitar with many talented and some famous groups. A few which included: James Grubbs & the Fabulous Tempo’s with Sharon, Sandra, & Dennice as the “Tempettes”, The Isley Brothers, The Platters, Millie Jackson, and Shirley Caesar.
However, this life of fame was not to be his destiny. God had another plan, a greater one for James to fulfill. In the early 80’s, he moved back to Alabama and during this time became reacquainted with Martha Grubbs.
Together, James & Martha began to attend Sardis Mission Baptist Church, in Headland, AL (The Family Church). Sardis is where they rededicated their faith and belief in Jesus Christ and were later wed. After many years of faithful service, he and Martha moved their membership to First Assembly, Dothan, AL and then Christ Church International (CCI) in Dothan, AL.
They were faithful members and dedicated servants to the body. While at CCI, James & Martha obtained Degree’s in Theology, which helped to prepare James for the destiny God had planned for him. Wherever he went, music was a large part of his life.
He gave his talent and gifts back to the body of Christ singing and playing his bass guitar with many anointed men and women in God’s Kingdom. Some included: King Watson & the Southernaires, The Alabama Gospel Singers, The Rising Stars, Sardis Missionary Church Choir, First Assembly Choir & Praise Team, CCI Choir & Praise Team, AZ Stanley & the Bibletones, Jackson Chapel Christmas Cantata, and Dothan Tabernacle Christmas Cantata, just to name a few. In 2001, First Missionary Baptist Church, Shorterville, AL, appointed Minister James Grubbs as their Pastor.
Pastor Grubbs and his wife built lifelong friendships with the members of First Baptist. During his tenure as pastor, he would pray for the sick, lead many to Christ, and teach the word of truth to all who would hear. You would often find Pastor Grubbs ministering in the hospitals and fellowshipping with friends and family.
Pastor Grubbs served the congregation of First Baptist, Shorterviller, faithfully until he retired in 2015 due to health issues. Although, Pastor Grubbs retired from pastoring, he did not retire from serving the Lord. Pastor Grubbs lived his life to the best of his ability.
He had many hobbies that not only were enjoyable, some were also a benefit to others. One such hobby was his love of fishing. Pastor Grubbs would rise early and could be found on any “watering hole”.
Once he caught his quota of fish he would share his catch with others. Another hobby he had would find him on the open road with fellow bikers. (All of them knowing they needed to SIT DOWN SOME WHERE.
) But they loved the open road. Every once in a while, you would catch the other HUN on the back of his Honda Shadow cruising with him. Although music was his passion, it was also a hobby.
He would often have “jam sessions” with whatever kids or grandkids where at the house, and even with his brother and sisters. Pastor Grubbs was preceded in death by his parents Sidney & Stella Grubbs, brother Robert Grubbs; sister Eva Mae Walker; son David Benjamin; grandsons, Derrek McManus and Domenique Perry. He will be remembered by many family and friends: His beloved wife of 35 years, Martha Grubbs: his children, Sharon Brunson – Grubbs, Sandra Davis, Dennice Grubbs, all from New Jersery; Darnell Benjamin (Cindy), Belinda Everheart (Donald, Sr.), and DiShon Benjamin (Shelley) all from Alabama: his siblings, Versie Jones (John), Mable Coleman (Joel), Glenda Davis (Willie), and Rarzell Grubbs; his grandchildren: Bashir Brunson, Jasmine Reynolds, Brianna Grubbs, all from New Jersey, Derrick Perry, Donald Everheart, Jr., Tiesha Flemning, Jonathan Everheart, Emerald Everheart, Bianca Corbitt, all from Alabama, and Erika Benjamin-Cardenes (Jose) from Texas; and a host of beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
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