Obituary of Pastor James F. Givens

James F. Givens, Jr. was born to the late James F. Givens, Sr., and Ida E. Riley on May 19, 1942 in Baker County, Georgia.  He was known as “Bubba by family and “Jim Givens” by friends. James was raised in Sanford, Florida and moved to Kendal, New York with his mother and stepfather, Sam Riley, where he attended high school. Mr. Givens worked for both Greyhound Lines, Inc., and John Hancock Insurance Companies for over 40 years after moving to Rochester, New York.  He served as pastor of Heavenly Temple Living Word Christian Center, in Rochester, New York for over 45 years. Pastor Givens was also a member of the Clergy Mental Health Collaborative (CMHC) in Rochester, NY.

The Lord received Pastor Givens suddenly (to his family) on June 8, 2021. His parents; 1 brother, Vincent Riley; 1 sister, Joyce Maxwell; 1 daughter, Barbara Thompson; and 2 grandchildren, Stephne J. Givens and Elizabeth Thompson, predecease him. James leaves to cherish memories: his dearly beloved wife of 50 years Ruby Lee (Daniels) Givens; 5 daughters: Margaret Austin-Lowry (Charles), Judith Austin, Aledia D. Givens, Samantha G. Stringer (Eric), and Tiana S. Givens; 1 brother: Duane Riley; 2 sisters: Beatrice Todman, and Betty Hawkins; 11 grandchildren: Tyrone Graham, Jeshawn Davis, Kristal Lowry, Eric Givens-Davis, Derrick Givens-Davis, Stephen Thompson, Angelica Stringer, Charles Lowry III, Roddy Johnson Jr., Eric Stringer II and Jamel Thompson; 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild that he was blessed to see and hold. James is also survived by a host of siblings, other relatives and friends.