Reverend James Benjamin Gladen, Sr., pastor and resident of Atlanta, GA and Cincinnati, OH; died on August 27, 2020 at the age of 64 from complications from prostate cancer.
He was born in Lima, Ohio on May 14, 1956 to John and Anna Mae (Roddy) Gladen Sr., both parents preceded him in death.
On October 27, 1976 he was united in holy matrimony to Arbedella Herron, she survives in Cincinnati, OH.
Rev. Gladen graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1976, he owned and operated We’ll Do It Contractors and was the Pastor of HEAL Divine Tabernacle of Atlanta, GA until 2018 when he retired. He was an avid fisherman and entertainer with “The Gospel Sensations and Victory”. He worked with the Prison Ministry, Youth Ministry, Homeless Ministry and Nursing Homes. Rev. Gladen (aka Uncle Bo or Uncle James) was also a proud stand-in father to many, and spiritual leader to all he touched.
His purpose on this earth was to bring everyone he could to God and he worked tireless hours saving souls and baptizing families to ensure their ticket to Heaven. James Gladen was a carpenter just like his Heavenly Father Jesus Christ and every home he touched he blessed with his presence and his powerful voice. His work was not in vain; even in his last hours of life, he brought another lost soul to Jesus Christ! His love was as selfless as the life he lived and he died doing, as he would always say, “what God told him to do!” He served God unapologetically!
Besides his loving wife Arbedella, he leaves to cherish his precious memory a son; James B. Gladen, Jr. of Cincinnati, OH. 2 daughters; Latisha Debose of Atlanta, GA and LaCrea N. Burns (Jamour) of Cincinnati, OH. A grandson; Jamari Gladen. 3 brothers; Richard Gladen (Rae) of Lima. Arthur Gladen (Tracey) of Columbus, OH. Sylvester Gladen (Rose) of Portland, Oregon. 2 sisters; Patricia Bulls (Alvin) Lima, OH and Katherine Downton of San Ramon, CA. Brother-in-law to Robert (Francis) Herron, Patricia Herron, Essie Lee Herron, Willie Bee (Stevie) Ellis, Lenor Herron, Anthony Herron, and Annetta Herron. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother; John H. Gladen, Jr. and a sister; Edna Gladen. His niece; Bridgett Horton.
Private home going services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Jones-Clark Funeral, Inc. with Rev. Dr. B. LaMont Monford, Sr., officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc. The family will be present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery
In view of the Global Pandemic, we at the Jones-Clark Funeral Home ask that you be cautious and observe all restrictions issued by the government. Please be mindful.
Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.
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