A Preacher, Teacher, Minister, Evangelist, Father, Elder, Pastor, Musician, Servant, Liberal Giver, War Veteran, Visionary and Man of Great Faith are only some of the designations that can be given to our legendary father in the gospel Pastor James Archie Runnels III. A man of impeccable integrity and humility yet stood firm on the word of God preaching and teaching the unadulterated truth of the Gospel with power and authority. He was passionate about winning souls for Christ and building the Kingdom of God. He was a man of exemplary faith in word and in deed, believing God can do anything but fail.

On October 6, 1925, in Ferris, TX a miracle was born into the Runnels family to James and Lillie Runnels (who both proceeded him in death). As Lillie gave birth to her 9th of 11 children, a baby boy, she realized he had no sign of life in his body. He was spanked but did not cry and was not breathing. As she laid there looking upon her lifeless baby boy, Lille began to pray and cry out to God. The midwife assisting with the birth took the baby boy away from his mother Lillie and wrapped him in paper (as was customary at that time). When she saw them wrapping him up in paper to take him away, she asked to see him one more time. As they brought him towards her, she noticed the paper began to quiver and she could hear a faint chirping sound coming from the baby. God had answered her prayer and worked a miracle. She knew then that God had a calling on her son's life and that God was going to use him mightily. This set the precedent for the way God would continue to move in the life of Pastor James Runnels.

Lillie and James Runnels were as they used to say, "Saved to the Bone," and they raised their 11 children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Pastor Runnels had 8 Sisters (Rosie, Alice, Annie Mae, Effie, Ruthie, Claudine, Christine and Mabel) and 2 Brothers (Tommy and Curtis), all who proceeded him in death. As Pastor Runnels grew up, he received his formal education from the Ferris, Texas Public School System. In 1943 at 18 years of age he joined the United States Navy, serving as a sharpshooter during World War II. There were many times during his tenure of service that his life was in danger, however he knew his mother was praying for him, just as she had on the day of his birth, and he could hear the Lord in her voice leading and guiding him through dangers seen and unseen. He went on to become the top Navy Seal Sniper in his unit. He returned home from duty in 1946.

Upon returning home from the war, Pastor Runnels went through many triumphs and tragedies. He returned home to a society of racial and economic injustice, but the Lord was yet with him. He began working a warehouse job and during his time there he suffered an injury when a bale of boxes fell on his foot. It caused him to be infected with gangrene up to his knee. The doctor said there was nothing they could do for him, and his foot would need to be amputated up to the knee. He was warned not to leave the hospital because the infection could kill him. But Pastor Runnels was raised to believe God and told the doctor he had 1 more thing he was going to try. He left the hospital after the Doctor's diagnosis, went to a church, and had the saints pray for him, knowing that the prayers of the righteous availeth much. Upon receiving prayer, Pastor Runnels had faith and knew that God had healed him and walked out of the church leaving behind the crutches he came in with. The next day when he returned to the hospital, his doctor was amazed to see him walking and asked him, how this had happened. He let him know he went to the Doctor of doctors and received his healing. This type of faith would define his ministry later in life.

In 1948 God called him out of the world of sin and offered him eternal life, and he accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. In 1949 God called him to the ministry. In 1950 he preached is first message entitled "These Are They Which Came Out of Great Tribulation" coming from Revelations 7:14, while a member of Wheatley COGIC under the leadership of Eld. Wilson Tolbert. He later became a member of the Fair Park Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Elder D.F. Barron. Being zealous for the Lord, he went out on the streets, downtown, on the central track, into homes, praying for the sick and having street services. In 1951 he was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God In Christ by Bishop F.L. Haynes of Texas Northeast Jurisdiction. He traveled to other cities conducting revivals, playing his guitar, and telling men and women about Jesus. It was during these street services and revivals that he became known as "Guitar Runnels" for his skillful guitar playing. While in revival at Madden Temple COGIC in Kansas City, KS, 27 people gave their lives to Christ. One of which was Elder Willie Vaughn III, who later went on to become a Jurisdictional Bishop. In the 1950's during the Texas Statewide Call Meetings held in Waco, TX our Founder and Presiding Bishop, Bishop C.H. Mason would often come and preach in the meetings. During this time Pastor runnels would conduct outdoor services, with the blessing of Bishop Mason, preaching, teaching, dancing, and playing his guitar to those who were outside the church. Many souls were saved and gave their lives to Christ during these services.

In the early 1950's, Pastor Runnels began working as a truck driver for Frozen Food Express (FFE), one of the nation's largest refrigerated transportation and warehouse providers. He had an impeccable driving record and exemplary work service, earning him many awards. His driving films were often used as company training tools as an example to other drivers and are still being used to this day. Pastor Runnels retired after 30 years at FFE. He used his retirement money to purchase the new lot for the future "Greater Holmes Street COGIC." He was a liberal giver and would often-times put all of his money back into building the house of God. Because of this, Pastor Runnels was always a blessed man.

In 1953 Elder Runnels began pastoring with his sister Ruthie M. Jackson and niece Sis. L. Collins. He rented a small house on the corner of Good Latimer and Louise Street and named the church Louise Street COGIC. In 1954 the mission moved to an old army barrack building in South Dallas, located at 3400 Holmes Street and the church became Holmes Street COGIC. At this time another one of his sisters Annie Mabry (who later became the mother of the church) and her husband joined the church. With much prayer and fasting souls were added to the church. In 1966 the old army barrack was demolished, and a new brick building was erected. In September of 1966 the dedication service was held, officiated by the late Bishop F.L. Haynes. The late Superintendent T. D. Daniels was also in attendance. The church began to grow with exciting plans for more expansion.

In the early 1980's this Preacher, Evangelist and Pastor had a dream of building God a greater house of worship. He was led by the spirit to a vacant lot on the corner of Loop 12 & Veterans Dr. At this point Pastor Runnels went to work, he became a carpenter, brick layer, painter, plumber, electrician and whatever else he needed to be as he built a new greater edifice for the Lord with his own hands. This new edifice was renamed "GREATER HOLMES STREET COGIC" as Haggai 2:9 says, "The glory of this house shall be greater than the former." In 1983 Pastor Runnels recommended before the Texas Northeast Jurisdiction Board of Ordination and Consecration, 4 Preachers and 6 Missionaries who all received their licenses. Three of the elders are now pastors. Five of the 6 licensed Missionaries preceded him in death. The one remaining missionary is his niece Evangelist Missionary Ruth Holyfield. Pastor Runnels birthed many ministers, elders, evangelists, missionaries, pastors, and state leaders that served under his ministry. He also licensed Brother Amir Dawson, a native of India, as a minister, who returned to his homeland of India and started a Mission. Many of his family members also joined and served under his ministry over the years, including another one of his sister Effie Williams, many nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

Pastor Runnels loved his family. One of his greatest joys came when he became a father to his sons James IV, Daniel, twins Noel & Joel, Rickey, and his only daughter Gwendolyn. Both Daniel and Gwendolyn proceeded him in death. He loved his children and was so proud of his remaining 4 sons all being entrepreneurs.

Pastor Runnels had another dream. This time with his eyes wide open, he found his good thing in the person of Ms. Wilma J. Williams. They met at a restaurant in Dallas, TX. Pastor Runnels stated, "she caught my eyes, I caught hers, we looked at each other. She turned her head with her eyes opened. Then I knew that meant something!" They came across one another again when Wilma was looking for someone to install cabinets at her home, and Pastor Runnels accepted the job. He began a quest to seek her status. Soon after, he invited her to dinner. He later proposed to her, she took some time to think about it and later she accepted. In February of 1990 she became his wife and First Lady of the Greater Holmes Street COGIC. Into this union she brought her son, Christopher Williams, whom Pastor Runnels loved as his own son. First Lady Runnels worked by her husband's side being a co-laborer in the ministry with him, praying together, studying in the word, working with her hands wherever needed and ministering to the people of God. She kept him happy and made his house a happy home.

Pastor James Archie Runnels III was a true pioneer in the gospel. He has taught the word and preached the Gospel of Christ for over 70 years with an outreach for lost souls, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ as a great servant and shepherd to the people of God. His example of monumental faith through many trials, challenges and obstacles faced in his life has been a great encouragement to many in whom he's encountered. Pastor Runnels was a true son of the Church of God In Christ. In the 1970's he served faithfully in the North Dallas District for over 30 years as the Chairman of Finance under the leadership of Supt. T.D. Daniels. After the demise of Supt. Daniels, Pastor Runnels continued to serve the district as Chairman of Finance under the leadership of Supt. R. L. Asbury. In the early 2000's Pastor Runnels transitioned his church from the North Dallas District into the Starlight District under the leadership of then Superintendent, Nathiel Wells. It was during Supt. Wells' tenure that Pastor Runnels prophesied to the district pastors in a meeting that Supt. Wells would one day become a Jurisdictional Bishop. The pastors looked around at each other quietly, but Pastor Runnels reiterated that "this boy is going to be a Bishop one day." This prophecy was fulfilled in 2015 when Supt. Wells was elevated to Jurisdictional Bishop of the Texas Northeast Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Upon his elevation, the position of District Superintendent of the Starlight District befell to Pastor Jeffery Bell Ross. Pastor Runnels was known for his great hospitality in hosting the district meetings at his church. He even built the choir stand to be accommodating to the district choir when they would sing. Pastor Runnels continued to serve Supt. Ross and the Starlight District faithfully until his demise.

During his lifetime he has served under 3 Texas Northeast Jurisdictional Bishops in the persons of Bishop F.L. Haynes, Bishop J. Neaul Haynes and currently Bishop Nathiel D. D. Wells. He had the opportunity to serve under all 8 Senior International Presiding Bishops of the Church of God In Christ to include our Founder Bishop Charles Harrison Mason (also Bishop E.M. Page), Bishop O.T. Jones Sr., Bishop J.O. Patterson, Bishop L.H. Ford, Bishop C.D. Owens, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Bishop Charles E. Blake and our current presiding bishop, Bishop J. Drew Sheard; as well as all 7 International General Supervisors (Mother Lizzie Robins, Mother Lillian Coffey, Mother Annie Bailey, Mother Mattie McClothen, Mother Emma Crouch, Mother Willie Mae Rivers and Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis). Pastor Runnels was the last Texas Historical Pastor who had seen and served under the leadership of our Founder, Bishop C.H. Mason. In 2016 our Jurisdictional Bishop of the Texas Northeast Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Bishop Nathiel D. D. Wells honored Pastor Runnels as the "God-Father" of our state. He has served Bishop Wells and State Supervisor Mother Erma Parker in the jurisdiction faithfully. During the state meetings you could always find him on that 2nd pew of the Pastors and Elders section of the church, praising and dancing to the glory and honor of God. He would often times out dance the younger ministers. He was a father in the Gospel to many Men of God who went on to become Ministers, Elders Pastors, and Bishops.

Pastor James Archie Runnels III, affectionately known as "Uncle Bud" to his nieces and nephews, and pawpaw to his grandchildren, was the pillar of his family and church. There are not enough words to express how much he will be missed. He was a Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Pastor, and Friend. He knew the bible backwards and forwards just like he knew his alphabets backwards and forwards. He had a very unique way of teaching the word of God that would make you want to know more about God. He always talked about FAITH. He never preached those feel-good type of sermons. He preached the raw and the real way life really is, and he would let us know to go through your trials and your tribulations but hold on to your faith, trust God with your whole heart and He will take care of you and see you through. Pastor Runnels was a patient, kind, generous, loving, considerate, humorous, affectionate, and very respectable man of God. He was a joyous man of great wisdom whose legacy will remain alive through the memories and all that he taught and preached.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and dedicated wife of 32 years, First Lady Wilma J. Runnels. 4 sons, James Runnels IV (Betty) of Midlothian, TX, Noel Runnels of Desoto, TX, Joel Runnels (Lenona) of Dallas, TX, Rickey Runnels of Desoto, TX and 1 stepson, Christopher Williams (Sonia) of Grand Prairie, TX. He had 16 grandchildren (7 Granddaughters & 9 Grandsons); 15 Great Grandchildren (11 great grandsons & 4 Great Granddaughters); 2 Great-Great Grandsons; Five generations of nieces and Nephews: (15 Nieces and 15 Nephews; 33 Great Nieces and 36 Great Nephews; 91 Great-Great Nieces and 83 Great-Great Nephews; 58 Great Great-Great Nieces and 57 Great Great-Great Nephews, 8 Great Great- Great-Great Nieces and 18 Great Great-Great Great nephews), 206 cousins, a host of friends, and the faithful Greater Holmes Street COGIC Family (consisting of over 600 members who have been birthed from this ministry over the years). Out of this ministry was birthed numerous churches, preachers, elders, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, doctors, nurses, paralegals, medical staff, principals, automotive technicians, restauranters, business owners, entrepreneurs, and clerks, just to name a few. God made Pastor James Runnels in a special kind of way, and He allowed the world to experience 96 years of his life for us to enjoy and it has truly been a blessing.