Gloria Margaret Bates James, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, minister, and community leader, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and faith.
Born on April 1, 1935, in Long Branch, NJ, Gloria was the cherished daughter of the late Margret Granton and William L. Bates. She was one of several siblings and was predeceased by her brothers William Jr., Harold, Robert, Edward, and Ellsworth.
Gloria began her education at Liberty Street School, an all-“colored” school in Long Branch, and later attended Long Branch High School, graduating with the Class of 1953. She continued her studies at Monmouth College and was later honored with a Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida, which was conferred upon her on May 19, 2006, recognizing her lifelong dedication to ministry and service.
Gloria’s professional journey was as industrious as it was inspiring. She began her career at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, NJ, working as a presser in the Cleaners. After becoming the proud mother of three children – Monte, Nadine, and Hope-she transitioned to bookkeeping with Crawley & Williams during the 1970s. Following business school, she joined Bell Laboratories, where she served faithfully for 15 years before retiring as a member of the Administrative Group.
In 1972, Gloria experienced a powerful spiritual vision that led her deeper into ministry and, that same year, she united in marriage with Bishop Jacob N. James at Greater Bethel AME Church in New York City. Their union formed a blended family that included Monte, Nadine, Hope and Franklin James. Together, Apostle Gloria and Bishop James established a home-based ministry centered on prayer, Bible study, and evangelism. As the ministry grew, they moved their services to a larger space on Broadway in Long Branch and, in 1973, to their own building at 344 Joline Avenue, lovingly renovated by members of the congregation. There, they founded The Power of Christ’s Gospel Outreach for Worldwide Evangelism, a thriving ministry that touched countless lives. From this work also emerged The Power of Christ Academy, a school dedicated to nurturing the mental, physical, and spiritual development of children in the Long Branch community.
Apostle James was a woman of profound faith, tireless compassion, and unwavering conviction. She counseled, taught, and prayed for people from all walks of life, always pointing them toward the transforming power of Christ.
She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, and her beloved children Monte, Hope and Franklin.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter Nadine Morris; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; ministerial colleagues; spiritual sons and daughters of The Power of Christ’s Gospel Ministry; and her dear friends Pastor Willie Washington and sister Jewanta Jamieson.
Apostle James’s light will continue to shine through every soul she touched and every life she led to Christ.
