James Louis Giles of Marion
James Louis Giles "Jim," age 75, of Marion, went home with Jesus on Jan. 30, 2021. Jim was born on Feb. 5, 1945 in Carbondale, Illinois to Robert "Bob" and Mary Katherine Giles. He later married the love of his life, Sheila Giles (Ray), on Oct. 8, 1966.
Jim graduated from Marion High School in 1963. He then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended and graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center, as an Ordained Minister. He relocated to Marion Illinois in 1987, where he pioneered and pastored the New Testament Word of Faith church for many years, until taking his last position as Pastor in Pikeville, KY. Jim and Sheila led the people of Victory by Faith Church until finally deciding to rest in Fenton, MO, until the day he left this earth. Jim was at home with his wife Sheila when he passed.
Jim belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders. He was an avid supporter or our Military, and the men & women who bravely chose to give their lives for our freedoms. He loved the Chicago Cubs, baseball, hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, reading and having deep discussions with those around him. He loved to read and teach his congregation what God spoke to him. At the beginning of every sermon, he would ask everyone to lift their Bibles and say with him, "This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I will never be the same. In Jesus Name." Teaching and preaching the infallible Word of God was the deepest passion Jim had. Anyone who ever met Jim will remember him saying "God is Good all the time & all the time God is good" or "Those who say they can, and those who say they can't, are both right."
To know Jim, is to know his love for his family. His wife Sheila of 54 years; their 3 children, Eric Giles of Ponca City OK, Jami (Jeff) Allensworth of High Ridge MO and Miriam Macier of Pikeville KY; 6 grandchildren, Zoe Hall, Vince Giles, Ashton (Andrew) Wheeler, Kyli (David) Wickenhauser, David Macier and Mercedes Macier; 5 great-grandchildren, Ella, Ethan & Emilia Wheeler, Charlie & baby Wickenhauser; 2 sisters, Ellen (John) Mahan and Linda (Dee) Rose, 1 brother, Bob (Pat) Giles. Jim had many nieces, nephews, cousins and others who were like family. Jim was preceded in death by his Father Robert Giles and Mother Mary Katherine Giles.
Jim chose to be cremated. There will be a celebration of life held this summer; details to be announced at a later date.
The one thing Jim Giles would want his life to be remembered for would be for his love of Jesus Christ. If you haven't asked Jesus into your heart, please reach out to one of the members of his family and let them help you make the best decision of your life. He'll be waiting for you in Heaven!