Mr. James L. Liggins Sr.

****NOTE: A WALK THROUGH VISITATION FOR THE PUBLIC WILL BE HELD 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on Friday, November 6, 2020. A GRAVESIDE SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park (S. Westnedge Avenue) in Kalamazoo***Due to the state's mandates in accordance to the CDC, up to (100) people may still be present for the outdoor service. ****MASKS ARE REQUIRED**** Obituary James L. Liggins, Sr. made his transition from Earth to Glory early Saturday morning October 31, 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born along with his twin Ezell (Liggins) Price, on February 20, 1946 in Stanton, Tennessee. Having a twin sister, his family affectionately called him (“Brother”) and called Ezell (“Sister”). James Liggins was a giant of a man, easily 6’3” or 6’4” and at his peak, close to 300 lbs., mostly muscle. He grew up in the South where his family made their living by farming cotton, corn and various other crops. James was a lover of nature and an avid hunter throughout the majority of his life. Rosebud and Rawhide were two of his favorite and most notorious hunting dogs and it is only fitting that they be mentioned in this memorial. He once commented that having a 2 or 3 acre farm with various cows, horses, pigs and dogs was his idea of heaven. James Liggins met the love of his life, Maggie (Powell) Liggins while attending Carver High School in Haywood County, TN. Although we are unsure the exact words he used to convince Maggie to marry him, he was quite fond of saying things like “The River is wide and I can’t step it...I love you baby and I just can’t help it!” Whatever the words, after he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1967, he and Maggie were united in holy matrimony on September 21, 1968 (over 52 years ago). James Liggins gave his life to Christ in 1970 after being visited by Missionary Arlene Graves (deceased) and a host of others from the Church of God Pentecostal here in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He served there faithfully for many years in numerous positions as a Deacon, Minister and Elder under the direction and guidance of his dear Pastor and friend, Bishop Lafayette Davis (deceased) and Mother Stella Davis. James and Maggie served and supported various church ministries including churches in Battle Creek, Michigan under the direction of Pastor James and Missionary Mary Moore; Pontiac, Michigan under the direction of Pastor Harold and Missionary Doristein Parker; and Grand Rapids, Michigan under the direction of Bishop Roosevelt Beville and Missionary Willie Sue Beville (deceased). He also briefly pastored the Church of God Pentecostal in Paulding, Ohio in 2006 after the passing of his dear friend Bishop George Robinson. He was one of the inaugural members of Visions of Victory Church of God and served faithfully there under the leadership of Bishop Karl B. Wallace and Lady Demeta Wallace until his homegoing. Although he had several occupations during his lifetime, James Liggins primarily worked for many years at General Motors in welder maintenance and eventually as a Safety Steward. He retired from General Motors circa 2000. Although James had a physically imposing stature, it was his kind nature and loving personality that made him a giant among men. He was always caring and sweet spirited and willing to give you the very shirt off of his back if you were in need. He was quick-witted and gifted at never allowing a serious situation to get in the way of a good story. Perfect at disarming tense situations or injecting a bit of comedy to break-up sadness, James was a welcome and calming addition to any situation or scenario. Plus, it was always good to have a giant around to enforce order if needed. James was a family man through and through. He was a loving and doting husband, a caring and affectionate father who learned early on in life that a person need not be biologically related to someone to nurture a father/child relationship. He genuinely loved relating to children including his own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as those throughout the community. It was not unheard of for James to offer to be a surrogate father to anyone in need. Family was not just a word but, rather, James’ way of life. James was preceded in death by his parents, Sam (Joe) Liggins, Julia Mae (Terry) Liggins, his biological father Celix (Lil’ Boy) Smith, and his sisters and brothers, Lillie Mae Points, Joe Thomas Liggins, Henry Lee Liggins, Alma Jean Johnson and Wilmer Liggins, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 52 years, Maggie Liggins, four children, Felicia Jones (Kevin), Rebecca Liggins-Trotter (Philip), James Liggins, Jr. (Jyllian) and Paul Liggins; 18 sisters and brothers including: James Pete Liggins (Ruby), Ezell Price (A.J.), Charles Liggins, “Frank” Johnie Liggins (Darlene), Jimmie Liggins, Sr. (Karen), Geraldine Corner (DuWayne), Laverne Liggins-Davis (Enoch), Nancy Liggins, James Johnson, Willie G. Powell, James O. Smith, Delois Guess, Fannie M. Beasley, Marion J. Jones, Aubrey N. (Ronnie) Smith, Gail J. Dean, Janice M. Moore and Autherine Kelly; and nine grandchildren, Chan Pratt II, Austin Pratt, Taijon Liggins, Traivon Liggins, Justin Liggins, Tiarra McCurtis, Jasmine Liggins, Juliana Liggins and Payton Liggins and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, honorary grandchildren and those to whom he informally adopted as his own. We know he will be greatly missed!

Mr. James L. Liggins Sr.

February 20, 1946 - October 31, 2020