Reverend James William Stroud, Sr., 82, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010, peacefully in his home in Port Arthur. Funeral: 11 AM Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Val Verde Baptist Church in Groves Graveside Services: Springtown Cemetery, 11 AM Thursday, December 23, 2010, in Springtown, Texas Visitation: 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, December 21, in the chapel of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves James Stroud, Sr. was born October 16, 1928, in Springtown, Texas to his parents William Franklin and Bertha Elizabeth Stroud. Reverend Stroud had been living in the Golden Triangle with his wife, Lois, for 43 years. He served as a pastor for 8 years at Harding Street Baptist Church in Baker, Louisiana, 2 years at West Kiest Baptist Church in Dallas, 15 years at Val Verde Baptist Church in Groves, and the final 10 years at Friendship Baptist in Beaumont. He retired from the pastorate in 1992. After retiring, he and his son Jimmy founded Red Apple Day Care in Groves, Beaumont, and Port Arthur. He was a member of West Conroe Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas. James grew up in the Springtown area where he graduated from Springtown High School in 1947. He starred in basketball in high school and was recruited by 47 colleges across the United States. He attended Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth on a basketball scholarship and traveled with the team for 2 years, playing in places such as Madison Square Garden. Being 6 foot 9 inches, he joked that he was 30 years old before he saw another man as tall as he was. Having to choose between playing basketball and getting married, he chose without regret or hesitation the love of his life, Lois Nadine Neely, who he is happily with today. James was also an avid golfer, and one of his greatest thrills was to play golf with his family. The real joy of James' life was being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pastor. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Bertha Stroud, his infant sister Elizabeth, and his wife Lois. Survivors: Sons, Jimmy Stroud and his wife Rita of Port Arthur, and Joey Stroud and his wife Kristi of Dickinson; daughter, Dianna Gross and her husband Jay of Conroe; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Rena Mae Woody and her husband Scott of Poolville, Tex
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Levingston Funeral Home
November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Reverend James William Stroud, Sr.
August 4, 2020
Rev. James William Stroud
Anonymous
August 20, 2014
Pastor Stroud was an amazing minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My family and I were one of the first African American families to attend Friendship Baptist and we were baptized there. He understood Gods vision for the church not to have separation among the flock. Some were bitter but he stood firm and told them that if they did not like the integration, leave. I saw him as a man of love and passion for Gods work. He was determined to do the Lords will no matter how many people were left to hear the Word of God. My children were hurt because of many things that transpired and we never came back. I thank God for this minister and his day here with us on this earth. Prayerfully, my hopes are that there is unity in the house of God and all souls are being ministered too. That was Pastor Stroud's mission and his passion.
Anonymous
December 5, 2011
WHAT A GREAT MAN OF GOD HE WAS. SO DOWN TO EARTH. MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON MY BY SHARING A COUPLE OF THINGS IN HIS LIFE THAT WERE PARALLELING MINE AT THE TIME THAT GAVE ME A REAL WAKE UP CALL. WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS SOMEONE I COULD COUNT ON TO TELL IT LIKE IT WAS. HE WILL BE MISSED ALTHOUGH I AM JUST FINDING OUT HE PASSED AWAY.
Anonymous
December 31, 2010
We are very saddened of your father's death and we are thinking of you Jimmy and your family. Love you Paul
Anonymous
December 28, 2010
My prayers are with your family as I know this is a huge loss. Bro. Stroud and Lois were so dear to me and my family ever since we joined Friendship. He performed my daughter's wedding and Lois and I had so many good times playing the organ and piano together. Now they are together again and having the best time ever. May God bless all of you. Phyllis Davis
Anonymous
December 22, 2010
I can remember as a child and sitting in church listening to Bro. Stroud's deep voice preaching the sermon. He always made a point of telling me what a great man my PaPaw Moffitt was each time we visited Friendship. I know he will be missed by all who have had their lives touched by his kindness. Your family is in my prayers.
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
I have so many good memories of your dad growing up. He loved my dad & mother & talked @ mama funeral which was so hard on him. Funny memories of my cat watching your dad adamsapple while he was talking & then attacking it, & how about Jimmy & I drove the car & he was just happy we weren't hurt. Good good memories & I know he is with Lois @ Jesus feet how wonderful is that?
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know your family is in our prayers. You've always supported us over the years and we just want you to know that we love and uphold you during this difficult time. May God bless all of you! Our love, Joe & Renee
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
Dear Stroud family, Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family in the passing of Pastor Stroud. He was our pastor at Friendship Baptist Church. We are part of the legacy that he has left behind as a great man of God. I will always remember him as the man God used to lead my husband to the Lord and helped both of us grow stronger in our relationship with Him. We sure loved to hear him preach. While I know he will be missed, I am sure that He is smiling in heaven with Mrs. Lois and his Jesus. May God's peace with you during this time. Joel and Tena Luna
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss and so grateful to have known such a kind, honest, wonderful person. He was so pleasant to be with and always enjoyed his company and of all of the Stroud's. Jack Koshkin
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. How blesses you are to have had such a man in your life. Many childhood memories of the Stroud and Dane families' friendship.
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
Your Father was a true blessing to our family. He & Donzell had a special bond & I thank God for that. He preached Don's funeral & it is still a blessing to hear his voice & all the wonderful things he said about Don. I still remember the day he baptized Donzell & how glad he was that Don accepted Christ thew him. I'm truly blessed to have known your Father & Mother. He's with his Saviour & family now having the best Christmas ever. My Prayers are with you all.
Anonymous
December 21, 2010
Bro. James was a precious man and a very dear friend to our family. I always loved when he & his family would visit our home and how he would make me laugh. I know that he & my dad are laughing together in heaven at this very moment. I'm so glad he was a part of my life!