James Elbert Hollingsworth Jr. was born in Corsicana, Texas, on June 8, 1929, to parents, James Elbert Hollingsworth Sr. (long-time pastor) and Verna Lee Boyd (homemaker). He went home to be with the Lord on April 11, 2016.

James “Jim/Jimmy” came to Christ at an early age and committed his life to preach the gospel as a young man. He was the associate pastor at Corinth Baptist Church in Corsicana for two years and then went on to pastor in Bastrop, at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Springhill, and Union Avenue Baptist Church (Union Heritage) in Bogalusa.

He earned his doctorate in theology and became the Bible department head at Baptist Christian College in Shreveport. He then moved to Oklahoma City, Okla., and pastored King’s Park Baptist Church for 30 years. After a brief retirement, he planted Ruston Baptist Church in Ruston, and also Mid-City Baptist Church in Bossier City. He ended his full time work as associate pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Bogalusa, assisting his son Dr. J. Mark Hollingsworth.

Bro. Hollingsworth’s ministry was characterized by Matthew 29:19-20. He lived to tell others the “good news” of salvation in Jesus Christ and loved and shepherded the people he served.

Jim was a devoted husband and father who lovingly led his family by example. He had a great sense of humor and those who knew him still quote some of his humorous comments and stories.

Jim and Ann’s life verse was Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jim’s paraphrase was, “Take care of God’s business and He will take care of yours!”

We will miss the twinkle in his blue eyes as he laughed at his own jokes first, the fervor in his simple gospel preaching and the enthusiasm in his Bible teaching.

Many have come to know, love and serve the Jesus Christ because “The Preacher” pointed them to God’s Word and God’s simple plan of salvation: belief and trust in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sin. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Elbert Hollingsworth Sr. and Vera Lee Boyd Hollingsworth; and sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Hollingsworth Madden (Darius “Boots”).

He is survived by his wife, Ann Walker Hollingsworth; three daughters, Deby Ammons (Rev. Dennis), Jacki Hill and Nancy Lynn Henson (Gary); one son, Dr. Mark Hollingsworth (Janey); one brother, Harold Hollingsworth (Pat); nine grandchildren, Shane Ammons (Lisa), Ally Ammons Schick (Stephen), Rand Seal (Jennifer), Joshua Hollingsworth (April), Caleb Hollingsworth, Alexandra Ingram, Lauren Ingram, Kourtney Bolton (Sam) and Erika Mumm; and nine great-grandchildren, Annabelle Schick, Adelaide Schick, Harmony Hollingsworth, Seth Hollingsworth, Breelyn Seal, Levi Seal, Logan Seal, Kamdyn Phiefer and Brailyn Phiefer.

Visitation was held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Thursday, April 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitation will continue at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral services will begin at 1 p.m., with Dr. Mark Hollingsworth and Rev. Dennis Ammons officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.