STAPLES, James Reley

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona January 7, 2005 Dr. James Reley Staples, died in Dallas, Texas on January 3, 2005. He was 84 years of age. He was born in Piggott, Arkansas on January 5, 1920. He served 50 years as a Southern Baptist pastor, editor and educator. His longest pastorate was North Phoenix Baptist Church for 10 years in Phoenix, Arizona. For 9 years during this time, he had a weekly radio program on KTAR. Staples later served as editor of the Arizona Baptist Beacon (The Baptist state newspaper). From there he became executive vice president of Grand Canyon College (University) in Phoenix. Staples was president of California Baptist College (University) in Riverside, California for 14 years, and chancellor for 6 years. Upon retirement, he pastored an English language church (Wurtzburg/Kitzingen Baptist Church) in Kitzingen, Germany for two years. He and his wife, Elaine, then moved to Lake Elsinore, California, where he was founding pastor of Lake Elsinore Baptist Church for 6 years. Staples served on many state and national boards, including the Foreign Mission Board and the Education Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He served 2 years as president of the Arizona Baptist Convention and 6 years as chairman of their executive board. The Staples loved to travel. They traveled and guided tours in more than 55 countries. He spoke lovingly of their "Traveling Family". Staples graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and held a doctorate from Arizona State University. Staples is survived by his wife, Elaine. They were married for 63 years and had a son Albert James, (deceased) and a daughter Renee. They have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services at First Baptist Church of Carrollton, 2400 N. Josey Ln., Carrollton, Texas. Burial at Restland Cemetery of Dallas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the A.J. Staples Room Fund, California Baptist University, Riverside, California.