Obituary of James Franklin McRae

James Franklin McRae, Sr., Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, U.H.C.A., Inc., 11 Avenue A, Freehold, departed this life on February 22, 2012 at the age of 77. Pastor McRae was born in Morven, North Carolina to the late Moses and Wincy McRae, being the thirteenth of fourteen children. He graduated from the Morven Public Schools where he excelled in varsity basketball. In 1960, he left Morven and settled in Freehold in 1961. His love of the culinary arts led him to take a job at the John L. Montgomery Medical Home in Freehold. He ultimately worked his way up to Assistant Supervisor of the Dietary Department until his retirement. He met Yvonne McRae (formerly Goode) and after a short courtship, proposed to her and on June 23, 1962 the two were married. Later, after serving in many capacities in Faith Tabernacle under the pastorship of the late Nora E. Spivey, God called Elder McRae into ministry. He attended the United Christian College and became an ordained minister on June 9, 1984. In 1987, Elder McRae began serving as pastor. In the 25 years under his leadership, among many other milestones and achievements, Faith Tabernacle has grown into a community presence via its outreach ministries, both locally and internationally. The church has experienced expansive renovations and increased membership. Pastor McRae is predeceased by his wife, Yvonne Goode McRae, a daughter, Sallie Ann McRae, and one son, James Franklin McRae, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: three sons, Stephen, Timothy, and Kenneth; one daughter, Priscilla; one brother, Morrell McRae of Charlotte, North Carolina; two daughters-in-law, Latonya and Simika; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and god-children; and a wealth of friends and acquaintances. The viewing will take place on February 29, 2012 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a wake to immediately follow at Faith Tabernacle U.H.C.A., 11 Avenue A, Freehold, NJ 07728. The funeral will take place at New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, 133 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, NJ on March 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM. To send condolences, please visit www.higginsmemorialhome.com.