Bishop Frederick Calhoun James, a native of South Carolina and the oldest Methodist bishop in the world, passed away at the age of 102. The Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church announced his death on April 24. James was born on April 7, 1922, in Prosperity, and had a long history of service within the church.
In 1960, James was elected as the director of Social Action of the AME Church and had a close relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He became the 93rd bishop in the AME Church in 1972 and was assigned to Southern Africa, where he established schools, a publishing house, churches, and centers for economic empowerment.
After serving in Southern Africa, James was assigned to Arkansas and Oklahoma in 1976. He focused on youth development, restored accreditation for Shorter College, and led urban housing initiatives during his time there. He formed a strong connection with former president Bill Clinton.
In 1984, James returned to South Carolina and served as the presiding bishop and chair of the board of trustees of Allen University, his alma mater. He played a significant role in helping Allen University achieve accreditation and facilitated the acquisition of the James Shopping Center.
Throughout his career, James was appointed as an ecumenical officer, representing the AME Church globally. He also oversaw the Second Episcopal District, which included North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. James was part of the official U.S. delegation that attended the 1994 inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the president of South Africa.
Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. praised Bishop Frederick C. James for his commitment to the AME Church and his role as a community builder and advocate for education. A celebration of life for James will be held on April 27, and donations can be made to the Bishop Frederick C. James Scholarship Fund at Allen University. Bishop Frederick Calhoun James leaves behind a lasting legacy of servant leadership that will inspire generations to come.