James Van Dotson of Jasper, a Baptist preacher for 54 years, died Sept. 28 at age 79.
He spent much of his years of ministry in Alabama Baptist churches with his last full-time ministry in Kansas Baptist Church in Kansas (Ala.). He also served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Silver Hill; First Baptist Church, Newville; and Union Hill Baptist Church, Hueytown.
He was the Walker Baptist Association director of missions 1965–1989 and at times was interim pastor of several Walker County Baptist churches, including Oakman Central, Macedonia, Eldridge, Fern Springs and Liberty Grove.
Dotson began his ministry as pastor of Bob Locke Mission of the Dwight Baptist Church. His first pastorate was Providence Baptist Church while he was a student at Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham.
The World War II veteran served in the European theater, receiving 13 medals — among them two Purple Hearts, the Bronze star, French Croix de Guerre medal and four battle campaign stars.
He is survived by his wife, Tressie Nell Hill Dotson of Jasper, four children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one sister. (TAB)
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