Last updated on August 4, 2022
James David Chance left this old world on June 13, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born in Dallas, TX, on July 8, 1934, to Thomas & Mattie Chance.
Called to preach at age 14, he began preaching revivals with Rev. Guy Shields. James was a founding member of the World Bible Way Fellowship where he was ordained for more than 70 years. He served on the board of directors as secretary and treasurer for 30 years. He was the pastor of Bible Way Tabernacle in Balch Springs, TX, for 37 years and Pastor Emeritus for the last 10 years. God’s work doesn’t always pay well, he worked and retired from American Airlines after 22 years.
While preaching a revival in 1953, he met Marie, the church pianist. After only three months of courtship, they married. They say it seemed like a 20 year honeymoon before the average pressures of life seemed to show up. Through it all, their short courtship turned into 68 loving years. Where one was, the other was within hearing distance.
James is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marie Chance; sons, Bryan Chance and wife Angel and Jonathan Chance; grandson, Joshua Chance; sisters Shirley Freeman Hankins and Mary Lou Griggs and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by parents, brother, Thomas Henry Chance and sisters, Mattie Anna Bell and Ruby Pearl.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Friday, June 17, 2022, at Rest Haven Funeral Home Rowlett, followed by a light reception. Interment at 1:00 pm will be in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving. The family will gather with friends at the funeral home Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
