Rev. Dr. James Curtis Eubanks Sr.

A Life of Services

Reverend James Curtis Eubanks was born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida where he received the foundational teachings of the Church of God at the Palmo Street Church. He was the son of the late Elder Bennie E. Eubanks, Sr., former Pastor and Founder of the Reformation Church of God on 15th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Rev. Dr. James Curtis Eubanks heard the call of God to enter the ministry at the age of 18. However, not feeling ready, he enlisted in the military instead. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years in the continental U.S. and overseas, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Numbered amongst  the awards and decorations received while in the military service are: The Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (3), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (5), Longevity Service Award with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation, and the National Defense Service Medal. Curtis retired at the age of 39 at the rank of Master Sergeant.

Dr. Eubanks was ordained in 1985. He was the Founding Pastor of Community Church of God in Fort Lauderdale, which held its first worship service, August 28, 1983, in a converted two-bedroom house. From there, the growing congregation was granted permission to use the Rock Island Elementary School Cafeteria for Sunday morning service. In 1991, construction began on the new sanctuary and multipurpose center, presently located at 1300 NW 19th Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Pastor Eubanks was a “pastor’s pas-tor” and has personally groomed and mentored several ministers that are now pastors. In his prime, Dr. Eubanks oversaw 18 different ministries, led a ministerial staff of 10 and shepherded a congregation of approximately 400 members.

Pastor Eubanks was blessed with exceptional administrative skills and the gift of discernment. He earned a Master of Theology Degree from the Southwest Bible College and Seminary and received a Doctorate of Theology from the Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 2000. In August 1997, Pastor Eubanks received the Raymond S. Jackson Distinguished Christian Service Award in Ministry from the Pioneer Awards Committee of the National Association of the Church of God, headquartered in West Middlesex, PA.

He was a former member of the Florida State Credentialing Committee and has mentored several ministers and pastors. In addition, he has served on many other state boards and committees within the Church of God and the city of Ft. Lauderdale.

Pastor Eubanks married Diana Olivia James on September 19, 1958. Sister Diana is a native of St. Augustine, FL like himself.  He credits his wife’s strength, devotion and God-fearing determination to see the work of the Lord go forth, as a definite asset to his ministry and an inspirational force in his life. Reverend and Sister Eubanks have four adult children who are saved and have given them eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. This year they would have celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Pastor Eubanks was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Bennie E. and Marileen Eubanks and six siblings. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Elder Diana O. Eubanks, one living brother, Ralph and his four loving children: Judy (Greg), Cynthia (Terry), James Jr., and Dwayne (Micki). His prized grandchildren include Christina (James), James III (Shakira), Laneshia, Ashley (Todd), Kaylea, Jessica, Brian, Carmen, Erica, Jordan (Darcy), and Christian in addition to his beloved great  grandchildren — Jaida, Javon, Jaden, Adrianna, Christopher, Cooper, Gabriel, Grace, Kaylani, Jacob, King, Connor and two loving canine companions, Cheyenne & Apache. Rev. Dr. Eubanks had a host of nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

The Celebration of Life for Rev. Eubanks will take place on July 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. at  Community Church of God in Fort Lauderdale. Services will be livestreamed on the Community Church of God Fort Lauderdale Facebook page.