Rev. James H. Springer

James H. Springer, 82, of Ocean Springs, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2011, after an extended illness. Pastor Springer was born on March 10, 1929, in Cato, AR., the eighth child born to the late James Earl, and Millie Lee Steed Springer. After graduating high school in 1944, he joined the Army. After completing basic training, he was assigned to a twenty-nine month tour of duty in Japan. He attended Keo University in Yokohama Japan, where he received his Associates degree in business management. He also served in the Korean Conflict. After returning to the States he received his Bachelors degree from Draughn Business School in North Little Rock, AR. Rev. Springer worked for nine and one half years for Swift Meat Packing Company as assistant superintendent. Rev. Springer met and then married the love of his life, Betty “John” Royce Springer of AR. on February 16, 1951. After her death, he married Evelyn Taylor Springer of AR. Before moving to Mississippi, Rev. Springer served as pastor of churches in Jacksonville and Keo, AR. On September 11, 1960, Rev. Springer and family moved to Biloxi, MS. to pastor First Pentecostal Church of Biloxi. There he served as pastor until his retirement on March 10, 1994. The ministry of Rev. Springer was one of great love. Throughout his ministry he remained the same, preaching and holding to the Apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:38) and adhering to the will of God in all of his undertakings. Under his leadership many men became ministers and are now pastoring churches all across the United States. The ministry of Rev. Springer was one that impacted many people from all walks of life. Rev. Springer is preceded in death by his parents, the late James Earl and Millie Lee Steed Springer of AR.; his sisters Cogie Webb and Dessie Ketchum, both of AR.; his wife of thirty three years, Betty J Royce Springer, and Evelyn Taylor Springer. Pastor Springer is survived by his three daughters, Rebecca S. Humble (John) of Saucier, MS., Debra S. Gennaro (Mike) of Biloxi, MS Tammy S. Handler (Chris) of Ocean Springs, MS, and Son, Pastor Paul D. Springer (June) of Gulfport. 10 Grandchildren, Cynthia Vuyovich (Chris), Bethany Westoby (Brian), Ashley Ditcharo (Anthony), Joe Gennaro, Bradley Rainey, Josh Rainey, Jocelyn Rainey, Molly Schubert (Tom), Austin Handler, Kristen Handler. Great Grandchildren Sophia Schubert, Malia Rainey, Brooklyn Westoby, Saylor Schubert, Bentley Ditcharo. Rev. James H. Springer was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Monday, May 23, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.. at Pentecostals of the Gulf Coast. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to PGC Building Fund, 1907 Popps Ferry Rd. Biloxi, MS 3953.