Chris Marsh
Tribute to James O Cleveland by James Christopher Marsh, one of many 8th grade Sunday School students. One of a few that became a friend for life from that time forward. I am currently 47 years old. When I was in 8th grade there were giants in the land. Ronald Reagan was my president, Dr. Criswell was my pastor and James O. Cleveland was my Sunday School teacher. Every Sunday morning we met in the Burt building and after the general assembly were challenged by Mr. Cleveland to "BE RESPONSIBLE". Whatever else he taught us week to week we heard that admonition EVERY week. None of us will be able to forget that he never missed an opportunity to involve the number 32 in almost every conversation or subject matter. I never found out why but it made every lesson fun. We never knew when he would throw 32 in, but we knew that certainly there would be 32 reasons for this or that would have happened 32 times. I had the unique experience of being a member of FBCD but also a student of FIrst Baptist Academy and my mother worked for the church. After school there were many days that I would cross the street from the church to the Cotton Exchange building and visit James O and Dick in their office there. I remember Dick examining maps and James O inviting me in to his office and talking about life while he smoked his pipe. I was always welcome there and met with hospitality. I saw James O many times at the gym as he played hand ball in the racquetball courts throughout the years and our friendship continued and grow. Later Dick would become my Sunday School teacher and he and Joni had such a sweet and powerful ministry with us in those days. The James O legacy was in motion. Ministry was a family investment, and their family became ours. When I was a young police officer and pastor Mr. Cleveland donated money to a church that I was planting so that we could buy guitars to use in worship. When FBCD went through a hard time looking for a new pastor James O was among the group of committed that kept the vision alive and the hearts of the people on track as he and Dick were leaders behind the scenes of the FBCD family. Most recently I visited James O in the retirement village and gave him some police stuff, (mug and a cap, I believe) and shared with him how much I loved him and how much he meant to me. I am so glad I made that visit and wish I had made more. To the family of James O: Words cannot adequately paint the picture of the depth and beauty of the contribution of your father, grandfather, father in law, and so many more offices that James O held for you. To me he was a second Father, Grandfather figure. I will live in the warmth of the memory of his love but also be resolute as my own hand and heart are strengthened by his rugged masculine fatherhood that has been his legacy. He was and is such a great MAN of God. He lived it and trusted us with the heart of his influence born of a hearty walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Dick and Joni for continuing the family legacy. Thank you to the young man of the family that will share God's word in the service. I love James O with a full heart and look very much forward to seeing him again. If there are pipes in heaven, I want to smell pipe smoke while I tell James O about my crazy life as a preacher cop and listen to him about the adventures that heaven will afford. Dear Family, I love James O and I love you. God bless you as you honor him, as you grieve and as you continue to compel others to "be responsible" in at least 32 ways and to share our Savior. Respectfully, James Christopher Marsh 6282 Sergeant of Police Northwest Patrol Dallas Police Department and Minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. 469-323-6801