Obituary of James Allen Sexton

James Allen “Jim” Sexton, age 67, left this earth on January 9th, 2024, while at home with his wife Debbie in Byhalia, MS, after a two-year battle with cancer. Born on July 12, 1956, in Portsmouth, VA, Jim’s family settled in Rochester, NY, after his father retired from the Navy in 1964. He spent his youth playing baseball wherever he could, including practicing his pitching against the brick wall of the pizzeria across from his home. A hard worker, Jim grew up delivering newspapers on several routes and serving ice cream at Carvels down the road. He loved a variety of music and was a gifted church song leader from the age of 13. Part of the All-State High School Choir, Jim was always proud to say he sang in Carnegie Hall in NYC. After graduating from John Marshall High School in 1974, he attended Oklahoma Christian College on a baseball scholarship. While visiting home on Christmas vacation a year later, he met Debbie after his father suggested he take the “new girl” at church tobogganing with the youth group. They spoke that very evening of marriage and finally tied the knot on August 13, 1977. Jim and Debbie raised three amazing children in Rochester/Greece, NY. Jim lived a busy life staying active in church ministries and activities, especially small group Bible studies, youth events, and church camp. He was known as a homerun hitter in his competitive softball days and took up golf as well. He very much enjoyed thrift store shopping. After working many years at high-speed copy companies, he found his purpose in life by becoming the minister of the Cherokee Church of Christ in Cherokee, North Carolina in 2005. He and Debbie served together for close to 18 years until his retirement and their move to Mississippi in 2023. During his time in ministry, he enjoyed visiting people at many local establishments, especially the Qualla Java Cafe where he was well known as “Preacher” and would talk about scripture with anyone. He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Jennifer (Dusty Eaves) Sexton of Bryson City, NC, Stephanie (Brian) Rowe of Byhalia, MS, and Jay (Jessa) Sexton of Franklin, TN; sisters Susan (Gary) Brown, Crystal (William) Wesley, Donna (Harry) Bobak, and Beth (Loren) Rogers; and eight incredible grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin James and Janet Darleen Sexton as well as his sister Darla Jean Talbot. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on February 17, 2024, at the Cherokee Church of Christ at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherokee Church of Christ or to Camp Hunt in Hubbardsville, NY. Family was assisted by Long House Funeral Home.