Rev. James Edsel Goins

Rev. Goins was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 14, 1931, and entered eternal life with Jesus on April 5, 2024, at his home in Jackson, Mississippi. He attended Pilgrim Holiness College in Frankfort, Indiana, graduating in 1955 and was ordained in 1956. An excellent singer, he was known as the George Beverly Shea of the college because of his rich baritone voice. They called him the “Golden Baritone”.  After graduation, he married the love of his life, Violet Evelyn Walton and had four sons. He was part of a church plant in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and he and Violet started a radio ministry there. He would sing and introduce the speaker as Violet played the organ. They were then called by God in 1963 to Alexandria, Louisiana to pastor the First Wesleyan Church where they were faithful for 13 years. Thereafter, they were led to Jackson, MS to pastor Asbury Congregational Methodist Church in 1976 where they continued their ministry and mentored many. He and Violet were married for 60 years until her passing in 2015. He continued serving at Asbury until 2018, making 62 years of faithful ministry. 

He and his wife established a bakery called The Baker’s Dozen in Ridgeland, MS in 1984. The family served the greater Jackson area delicious muffins and pastries for 10 years and the business was a shining light in the community. 

He was always a gentle shepherd of his flock and has been described as kind, humble, a dedicated father, loving and caring. If he asked, “How are you?” he genuinely wanted to know. Rev. Goins cared for others. He loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and wanted others to know Him, too.  He and Violet raised four sons who all love and serve the Lord in many capacities within the local church. Some wisdom he shared with his boys was, “Don’t do dumb stuff.” and so much more. Shopping at Kroger and finding all the good deals was one of his favorite past times! Brother G. will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Violet, his parents Emmett and Agnes Goins, and his brother Mervin. He is survived by his sons, Terry (Melinda) of Jackson, MS, Ken of Jackson, MS, Kevin of Raymond, MS, and John (Lana) of Terry, MS. He has seven grandchildren who affectionately called him Pepaw: Matthew Goins, Mark (Miriam) Goins, Seth Goins, Kay-Anna (Paul) Blanco, Rachel Goins, Kari Goins, Leah Goins and Michael McShane.

Rev. Goins and his wife always supported missions. In lieu, of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The Word of Life Christian School, P.O. Box 1504, Eagle Pass, TX 78853 or Congregational Methodist Border Station (earmarked for Mike Gary Bible Institute) P.O. Box 771, Eagle Pass, TX 78853. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Arden Hospice for their excellent care.