James L. Goforth, Sr.

A funeral service for James L. Goforth Sr., age 82, of Rusk is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Rusk with Rev. James L. Goforth Jr., Rev. Lee Welch and Rev. Brian Givens officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Goforth passed away January 5, 2022. He was born August 23, 1939 in Melbourne, AR to the late Carl and Frances Evans Goforth. James Goforth Sr, better known as “Brother Jim” to so many over the years, loved playing golf and fishing in his free time. He was competitive and passed that along as a hereditary trait to the rest of the family. Whether dominoes, softball, golf, fishing, or just about anything could be a competition. He loved his family as much as anything. But the most important thing to him was sharing Jesus. As of 2019 over 60 years of ministry he had been the Pastor of 15 churches. He had preached 3,800 sermons, seen 2,255 Decisions for Christ, and 1,102 Baptisms. He led mission endeavors on 4 continents. Through it all he had One Lord – Jesus Christ, and One Call – to Preach the Gospel.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Goforth of Rusk; two sons, Rev. James L. Goforth Jr. and wife Lisa and Dr. Thomas Goforth; four grandchildren including Andrew Goforth, Bryan Goforth and wife Maggie, Jo Goforth and Ashley-Kate Lazarides and husband Chri; three great-grandchildren including Lydia Goforth, Elliot Goforth and Nastassia Lazarides; and a brother, Bobby Goforth and wife Pat.

Pallbearers will include Andrew Goforth, Ronnie Hendrick, Gene Smiley, Jeff Carroll, David Fulton and Ty Hendrick. Honorary pallbearers will be John Paul Dixon and James Campbell.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the funeral home.