James O. McLeod

James O. McLeod December 7, 1928 - March 24, 2013 Dr. James O. McLeod (Brother J.O. to most) was born on December 7, 1928, in the Roper Community just outside Hazlehurst, Georgia. He was one of seven children born to James Otho, Sr. and Mamie Currie McLeod. He was educated in the Jeff Davis County School System through the seventh grade when he left school to contribute significantly to the support of his family who were local farmers. After working on the family farm for many years, Brother J.O. operated a "Rolling Store" type of grocery where he perhaps learned his unique way of getting his message across to his fellow man. Later he went into business with the "Jazz Feed Store," and later joined his oldest brother at Hazlehurst Feed and Seed. He became proficient in the crop dusting business, was a distinguished salesperson for Purina Feeds, and later even did some land surveying to help provide for his family which now included sons Rick, Stann and Keith. On July 28, 1978, he married his current wife, the former Gwen S. Durham, his "Princess". At this time he also welcomed to his family a son, Tim. He was called to preach the gospel in 1956 and was ordained at Southside Baptist Church, Hazlehurst, GA, where his father and mother were charter members. In 1947, the McLeod family had held the church's first prayer meetings at their home. J.O. McLeod's first pastorate was to Philippi Baptist Church in Appling County, Georgia. He later served as pastor to Consolation Baptist Church, Pine Grove, Georgia, and Ritch Baptist Church, Screven, Georgia. He later was pastor to Collins Road Baptist Church, Soutel Baptist Church, and Springfield Baptist Church, all of Jacksonville, Florida. After departing Jacksonville, he planted and pastored Deigo Baptist Church in Palm Valley, Florida, and finally Southside Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida. After full time pastorate services, Brother J.O. established the J.O.McLeod Evangelistic Ministries. His ministry opportunities to preach the gospel were not limited to the continental U.S.; he also conducted evangelistic crusades in South Korea as well as the West Ides. Perhaps his most memorable preaching, however, was done in Israel during two trips to the Holy Land. The many revivals and camp meetings he preached and conducted for fellow pastors was perhaps were he did his most effective Kingdom building. In total, Brother J.O. served 54 years of ministry. Brother J.O. was well loved by the congregations he served as pastor, as well as those with whom he preached revivals, evangelistic crusades and equipping events. He was known for his love for life, contagious enthusiasm, humor and playful pranks. He was also steadfast and unwavering in his laser focus on proclaiming/teaching the eternal truths of God's Word, calling persons to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a life of obedience to Him. Conceivably, his most influential impact on extending God's Kingdom is his investment into the lives of hundreds of pastors, staff pastors, and preacher boys' he taught, exhorted, encouraged, coached, mentored, and developed across his 54 year ministry - including his son, Keith, and nephews Jimmy and Jeff. He was known as a pastor's pastor, and daddy to many. Brother J.O. loved to fly, play golf, and, of course, saddle one of his many horses and take to the trails where he might make a visit or just enjoy God's beautiful creation. His way with all animals was yet another gift he used to share his love with everyone with whom he came in contact. He deeply loved his family - wife Gwen, his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Brother J.O. was preceded in death by his parents, James Otho, Sr. and Mamie Currie McLeod; brothers James D. and Glynn McLeod; sisters Lillian McLeod Simmons, Mildred McLeod Stout, Beth McLeod Lawhan and Lawrence McLeod Beecher. Survivors include his wife, Gwen McLeod, of St. Augustine, Florida; four sons and their wives, Rick McLeod of Cataula, Georgia; Stann and Kathy McLeod of Thomasville, Georgia; Keith and Joan McLeod of Ringgold, Georgia, Tim McLeod and Brittany of Alligator Point, Florida; and a step-daughter Becky Boutieler of St. Augustine, Florida. He is survived by one remaining sibling Allean McLeod Mahady of Kennesaw, Georgia. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday March 27, 2013 at Crescent Beach Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Craig Memorial Park. A visitation will take place from 6-8 pm Tuesday March 26, 2013 at Crescent Beach Baptist Church. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing may make a contribution in his memory to the Crescent Beach Baptist Church Building Fund St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge or arrangements.