A celebration of a life well lived will be held for James Wesley Colvin on Friday, April 30^th at 2:00 pm at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant, LA.  Visitation will be Thursday, April 29^th from 6:00-8:00 pm in the New Hope Family Life Center, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

James, “Pawpaw” to his beloved family, was born October 7, 1929 in Dubach, LA to Thomas Earl and Floy Green Colvin.  He was married to Maryellen Eagan Airy from Rochester, NY for 62 years.  They met while he served his country as First Lieutenant in the US Air Force during the Korean War.

James was a graduate of Ruston High School (1946) and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1958.  Upon graduation from LA Tech, he worked at LSU in the Agricultural Extension Office in Radio and TV. He retired as the Executive Director of Capital Area United Way Baton Rouge, LA where he served from 1966-1991.   Upon his retirement, October 31, 1991 was proclaimed Jim Colvin Day by the mayor of Baton Rouge.  He was also named Honorary Citizen of Baton Rouge; Honorary Member of The Metropolitan Council of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish; and received the Golden Rule Award by JC Penny. He was a member of Downtown Kiwanis Club; LA Conference of Social Welfare; Member and campaign advisor of LA Community Action for Corrections; and member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge.

The most important decision of his life was to become a follower and servant of Jesus Christ.  He was raised at New Hope Baptist Church and later returned after retirement. He served New Hope community for many years and was the beloved teacher of his Sunday School class.  In Baton Rouge, he served at Calvary Baptist Church (where he was ordained as a deacon in 1959), at Laurel Lea Baptist and University Baptist Church. He served all of his churches as deacon, chairmen of the deacons, and Sunday School teacher.  He was moderator of Judson Baptist and Concord Union Baptist Associations.

James and his wife enjoyed hosting church events at their home.   He led by example and practiced discipleship with many people.  He raised his family in the faith with two children and several grandchildren now serving in ministry.

James loved his garden, collecting and restoring antiques, wood working and travel.  He travelled around the world twice and visited all but one of the United States.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and daughter-in-law (Deborah Parker Colvin). Left to cherish his memory are children Jim H. Colvin of Chatham; Kittie Colvin Trail (Randy), Ruston, LA; Benjamin Thomas Colvin (Carol King Colvin), Natchitoches; and Margaret Colvin Payne (Gerald), Decatur, AL.  Pawpaw was loved by 11 grandchildren/7 spouses, 18 great grandchildren; sister Josephine Colvin White, Arkadelphia, AR; brother Royce Earl Colvin (Lanette), Ruston, LA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made to Echo Global Farms, Echo Asia, 17391 Durance Road, N. Ft. Myers, FL 33917; Baptist Medical Dental Mission International (BMDMI), 191 Benjie Colvin Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.