Rev. James Otis Haskins

JAMES OTIS HASKINS, born April 13, 1925 at the City Hospital, was adopted by James and Mary Haskins. He received his early education in the Baltimore City Public Schools and competed high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1942 he joined the United States Navy, served two years was discharged and worked briefly for Campbell Soup and then re-enlisted serving another twenty-two years. He was very proud of his military career, and during that time he served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He served in many churches and as a child attended St. Paul Baptist Church (Baltimore, MD), and after moving to Philadelphia, PA he attended Bright Hope Baptist Church. In later years, he became a member of Vine Memorial Baptist Church where he held many positions including Ordained Deacon, Director of Christian Education, Sunday School Superintendent and served on the Usher Board. In the early ‘60s while at sea, he received his call to the ministry and he answered the call by beginning his preparation for the ministry. After attending many theological schools, he received multiple diplomas and certificates of completion. He was ordained as a minister in 1965 at Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. A divine calling that God heard there was an earthly need for two flesh to become as one; so the accepted the divine call and James and Evora became one flesh on December 3, 1966. In this union, they inherited four lovely children, two boys and two girls. While still on active duty, he served as Youth Director at New Pilgrim Baptist Church until he retired from the Navy. In 1971 his first charge was at Little Macedonia Baptist Church where he served as pastor until the late ‘80s, and he accepted his second charge at Hallelujah Baptist Church where he served until his health declined. During his illness, James and Evora worshipped at Old Landmark Baptist Church. If you knew him, you know he did much more than we can ever put on paper, so keep his memory alive and live for Jesus as he did. Cherishing his memory is: his wife, Evora; two sons, Marvin Haskins (Philadelphia, PA.), (Ralph Cherry preceded him in death); two daughters, Carolyn Scott and Olivia Cherry; four sisters-in-law, Shirley Porter, Elneray Martin and Pauline (Phillip) Williams all of Baltimore, MD, Erma Ford of Portsmouth, VA; one brother-in-law, John (Bonnie) Bazemore, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins friends and associates.

Tributes

Rev. James Otis Haskins

April 14, 1925 - February 21, 2013