Deacon James W. Felton was called home on Thursday, June 23, 2016. He was born in Pike County, Alabama on July 4, 1926, to the late Mr. Frank Felton and Mrs. Ilar Carlisle Felton Copeland. James was a lifelong resident of Troy, Pike County, Alabama, and was educated in the public schools of Pike County, Alabama. On January 20, 1945, he joined in holy marriage to the late Mrs. Johnnie Pearl Christian and this union produced 11 children. He was preceded in death by one son, Douglas, one great-granddaughter and two sons-in-law: Emmett Smith and George Upton. At an early age, James attended and joined Benevolent Grove Baptist Church in the Needmore, Alabama community, the Family Home Church, following in the steps of his grandparents, Mr. Henry Carlisle, and Mrs. Caroline Noble Carlisle. He loved to worship and praise the Lord with his wife, Johnnie Pearl and other family members. He was a faithful, dedicated, and devoted member, serving as a Deacon for 50 plus years, until his health failed. James was actively engaged in Church School, Bible Study, and served as Church Treasurer for many years. James was a World War II veteran. He was a person who loved the Lord, his family, the Church, friends, and a neighbor to all. James was a well-known bass and “Seven Shape Notes” singer throughout the area. He was very active in the community and the champion for his children’s education. For many years, he worked with Lawrence Hardware in downtown, Troy, Alabama. During his retirement years, he worked part-time at George F. Grubbs Funeral Home. In addition, his past times were spent reading and studying the Bible, singing, praying, driving his wife and two sisters-in-law around and sitting on the front porch waving at the people passing by. James leaves precious memories with his loving children; Ida (Rev. Lovell) Martin, Rev. W. James (Sally) Felton, Ann Felton, Catherine Felton, Dr. Linda Felton-Smith, David (Yuntrill) Felton, Jacklyn (David) Curtis, Clifford (Regenia) Felton, Gladys Felton-Upton, Kenneth Felton, Tara Felton, and Clara (LD) Fitzhugh; 25 grandchildren; 28 great grand-children; siblings; Lamar (Sarah) Copeland, Willie Copeland, Shirley Copeland, and Mary Coates; one uncle; Otis Carlisle, three sisters-in-law; Willie Glenn Jones, Nellie Crenshaw, and Lillian White; devoted cousins, Willie and Lola Felton and Marie Hendricks, devoted caregivers; Jennifer Bess and Voncille Green, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and surrogate children. The family would like to thank the Troy community for their prayers and support and the staff of First Choice Hospice for excellent services provided. On Tuesday, June 28, 2016, viewing at George F. Grubbs Funeral Home, located at 208 West Madison Street, Troy, AL 36081 from 12:00 noon until 5:30 p.m. Viewing and Family visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2015 at the First Missionary Baptist Church 319, Alphonso Bryd Drive, Troy, AL where the Pastor is Rev. George Gilchrist, Jr. The funeral service follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Church. Interment will be at Benevolent Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Needmore, AL. Services entrusted to George F. Grubbs Funeral Home, 208 West Madison Street, Troy, AL 36081. Condolences may be offered at www.grubbsfuneralhome.net