Pastor James Edward Long

James Edward Long, 61, of Ocoee, Florida departed this life on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, A lifelong resident of Apopka, Florida, he was born on May 6 , 1963 to the late Josie Lee Dunston and Jacob Tyson Long. Married to Kimberly Revis Long, they would have celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary on July 29, 2024. James Started coaching at a very young age, where he was the only teen coaching among grown men. He was offered the coaching position after one of the league organizers saw how advanced he was with getting the most out of the players and how articulate he was with the knowledge of the game. James said that gift was from God, and it prepared him to be in front of people to preach the Word of God. James had an impact on the kids he coached back in the day in football and basketball. He kept a lot of kids out of trouble through sports. He had a way of making sure all the kids were able to touch the ball on the team. He coached hard and with tough love. He never allowed them to have self doubt. He always had a passion on a spiritual level. He had a special gift of dealing with people with mental and physical disabilities . He was so patient, affirming, and supportive. He met them where they were and showed a level of compassion and love that can come only from God. He was a brother that loved God, his family, and his friends; a brother with a good sense of humor; and a brother that learned to love people the way God wants us to love people. He was loved and will truly be missed. Children's Church As for Children's Church ministry, if one were able to ask Pastor James to name a short list of things he was most proud of in his walk of obedience with God, there is no doubt his involvement in children's church would be right there at the top of his list. In 2017, Pastor James announced God put it on his heart to start a children's church ministry. He knew the youth would need a shepherd that was a true follower a Christ to disciple them and a person God could trust with His young ones. Pastor James passionately took on the assignment with his wife Pastor Kim assisting him; and started having Wednesday services for the youth after school. The group started small but begin to slowly expand over a period of time. Whether the attendance was small or large. Pastor James came with the same passion as if he was speaking the Good News of Jesus to every youth on earth. The fruit of his labor showed on Sundays as he would call on children's church members to pray over the offering, say the benediction, and make remarks after the Word of God had been preached. The youths growth in God, mature prayers, and conversations were a direct reflections of the vison God put in his heart. This also took consistent prayers of both Pastor James and Kim seeking God on direction and/or lessons that would be ministered each week. Pastor James could have easily made excuses due to health concerns and not take on the assignment; but he charged ahead with completing the assignment in mind. We thank God for Pastor James obedience and purpose. It was hoped that the Good News of Jesus he taught through the leading of the Holy Ghost will live on and be spoken by children's church attendees; leading souls to Jesus from generation to generation. James was preceded in death by his parents: Josie and Jacob Long; Brother: Reginald Emanuel Dunston; Sister: Josie Evelyn Long; Grandson: Isaiah Johnson; and in-laws: Julius Revis, Jr. and Elizabeth Sims Revis. Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife: Kimberly Revis Long of Orlando, Florida; Sons: Atwan (Kimberly) Cobb of Tampa. Florida; Bryson (Christina) Long of Apopka, Florida; Daughters: Shaquivia Bivins of Ocoee, Florida; Shannon Bivins of Ocoee, Florida; and Shakina (Hasani) McDonald of Orlando, Florida; Grandchildren; Taye Cobb, Azaiya Gaines, Antonio Fisher, Jr., Amarii Cobb, Jayden Long, Kai Cobb, Elijah Carruthers, Ja'lieyaa Long, Jada Lester, Hasani McDonald, Jr., Hezekiah McDonald, Jayla Long, and Hemi McDonald; Siblings: Eddie (Rose) Long of Tavares, Florida; Lillian (Cyrus) Booker of Nashville, Tennessee; Rick Long of Apopka, Florida; Dwayne (Rayshell) Long of Eustis, Florida; Theresa Long of Columbus, Georgia; Lois (Bruce) Taylor of Tuskegee, Alabama; Jacob Long, Jr. of Tuckegee, Alabama; Rene (Kareem) McNeal of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Brother-in-laws: Eddie (Brenda) Revis of Augusta, Georgia: Lawrence Revis of Waycross, Georgia: Richard (Sonya) Revis of Orlando, Florida: Sister-in-laws: Jamie Revis Hoyle of Scranton, Pennsylvania: Deborah Sims of Orlando, Florida; Stephanie Revis of Orlando, Florida; Special nephews and nieces: Jermy Dunston, Willie Sims, Eric Sims, Xavier Warren, and A'aliyah Ellison; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Pastor James Edward Long

May 6, 1963 - June 5, 2024