Obituary of James Lee Tipton

Pastor James Lee Tipton departed this life on May 5, 2022, in Kalamazoo Mi. Surrounded by the love of his life, family, and friends. He was born February 22, 1949, the son of James M. Tipton and Dora Tipton in Covington, Tennessee. At the age of 18, he moved to Gary Indiana, where he was employed for 2 years with the U.S.S.C mill company. He was then drafted into the U.S Army where he served in the Vietnam war until he was honorably discharged. James moved to Kalamazoo, Mi where he began to build his legacy. He met Daisy Givhan in 1968 who would soon become his wife. He begin employment with Checker Motors Corporation as a lead crane operator in 1973. James realized that Daisy was indeed the love of his life, so he asked for her hand in marriage and they lived in holy matrimony from February 22, 1979, until May 5, 2022, when he took his last breath. To many he was known as “SOUL DOG” the man with the bumblebee colored G.L. 1,000 Gold wing. Too big for most men to handle, but just right for James' hands. He would clear the middle of any club, “WATCH OUT NOW, HERE COMES SOUL DAWG” and dance as if he was James Brown instead of James Tipton. In 1985 he gave his life to the Lord. Such a huge transformation from “Soul dawg” to “Pastor James L. Tipton”. He enjoyed preaching the word of God, helping others, working on cars, and being a genuine father figure, friend, and role model within our community. He was welcomed in death by his beloved mother and father, Dora and James Tipton. As well as 4 siblings. Anne Hawkins, Walter (Red) Tipton, Loraine Cole, and Caroline Channey. He Leaves behind to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy, his lovely wife Daisy Tipton. 5 daughters, Shanta, Janae, Tiffany, Sophia, and Cymba. 4 sons, Thomas, Emmanuel, Clinton, and Anthony. 6 siblings, Fannie, Mildred, Lynn, Rickey (Theresa), Susan (Darrin), and David. 2 brothers-in-law, Howard (Dottie) Givhan, Eddie (Jermaine) Givhan, 3 sisters-in-law, Bessie (J.R) Wonch, Shelly and Theresa Givhan. 6 adopted daughters, 2 adopted sons, 35 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. “I don’t know what you came to do, but I came to praise the Lord. One day my name will be called. One day all our name will be called! When he calls your name are you going to be ready? When he calls my name, he’s going to follow it up with WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT “– James L. Tipton