James Upton

James Darold Upton, age 72 of York, NE died Monday, November 24, 2008 at York. He was born July 22, 1936 to Carthel and Clarinda (Bishop) Upton at Molten, Iowa. He was married to Fern Adams on March 29, 1983 in Muskagee, OK and accepted her six children as his own. He served his country as a member of the United States Navy. In 1970 he accepted Jesus as his Savior and soon after began to be active in ministry with his brother Carl in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He became an evangelist and traveled for many years. Later after his marriage he pastored in Socorro, New Mexico; Edinburg, Texas; Belleville, Kansas; York, NE; Roswell, New Mexico; and most recently in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was a kind, loving husband, father, and friend. He loved a good joke and lots of good conversation. His grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy to him. But his greatest joy and thrill of his life was preaching the gospel and praying for people.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Fern of York; children: Catherine Hazen of York, Craig Allen of Belleville, KS, Taffy Lynnette Cline of Midland, MI, Jeffrey Cline and Sean Cline of York, and Faye Jones of Belleville, KS; one step-son; 24 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Carl Upton of Paden, OK, Wesley Upton of California, Harold Upton of Oregon, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ann Cornett and brothers Duane and Robert.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the York Evangelical Free Church, 8th St. and Greenwood Ave., with the Reverend Bill Holt officiating. It was Mr. Upton’s wish to be cremated, so there was no viewing. Memorials may be directed to the family.