James Bahnson Mayes

Preacher James “Joe” Mayes passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was born on December 22, 1954 to the late JB and Lucy Mayes in Winston Salem, North Carolina. 

He had a great Love for the Lord and preaching the word. Most people called him Preacher. He loved Holland Road Baptist Church and its congregation. It was a joy to him to be Assistant Pastor for 7 years. Then he became Pastor for over 25 years. He knew they loved him too. That was his life’s work in Danville, Virginia. He used to say, “If I die tonight, I have had a wonderful life and I know where I am going”. One of his favorite songs was “This World is Not My Home”. He did enjoy the life God gave him. His first love was, of course, the Lord. He enjoyed fishing with his brother-in-law, Victor Jenkins, spending time with family, and maybe his favorite thing to do in the summer besides vacation was riding his Harley. He and his wife, Tooty, had many adventures, riding thousands of miles. He was such a happy person and had a great sense of humor and even still had that when he was very sick. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Gary Mayes. Preacher Mayes is survived by his loving wife of 51 years. Married when they were teenagers and that love grew and grew. Her name is Sharon but as many of you know, he called her Tooty and she called him Joe. Also, two children; one daughter, Dianne Smith (Steve); one son, James Mayes (Laura); three grandchildren, Chera Hankins (Caleb), Elijah Hodges, and Ann-Marie Grace Mayes; two sisters, Norma Whitaker (JE), Betty Nichols (David); an aunt and uncle, Sue and Jake Shelton; his mother-in-law, who he loved like his own mother, Betty Jean Jenkins; special brother-in-law, Victor Jenkins, that he loved that a brother; a sister-in-law, Lisa Jenkins, that he adored; special nephew, Brian Jenkins; and several nieces and nephews. 

Special thank you to the crew at Sam’s #2 in Pelham, North Carolina. He loved getting his morning coffee from there. Loved the visit he got from Samantha and Melissa that work there. He was loved by so many and he also loved them. 

He would want to end with a bible verse precious to him: 2nd Timothy 4: 7-8; I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

A service for Preacher Mayes will be held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at 2:00PM, Monday, August 19, 2024. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 1:00-2:00PM. The service will be officiated by Preacher Mayes’ two friends in the ministry, Rev. Mike Myers and Rev. Delton Agnor. 

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Mayes family. Online Condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.