James David Billings

Published 9:06 am Thursday, February 15, 2018

January 15, 1921 – February 7, 2018

James David Billings, a Sisters, Oregon resident and a prior long-time Prineville resident, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. He was 97 years of age.

A public viewing will be held Friday, February 16, 2018, at Prineville Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Juniper Haven Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Prineville First Assembly of God.

James was born in Kent, Oklahoma, on January 15, 1921, to George Melvin Billings and Eula Mae (Miller) Billings. He married Viola Marie Phillips in Kent, Oklahoma, on April 21, 1940.

James grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and entered evangelistic ministry at the age of 19. After marrying Viola, together they pastored several churches in Oklahoma and Oregon. After pastoring churches in Spray, Stanfield, Baker City, and Myrtle Creek, Oregon, they moved to Prineville in 1973. They pastored the Prineville First Assembly of God for over 15 years until their retirement on Hill St. in Prineville. James was an avid outdoorsman and known to his family and friends as a handyman that could fix “almost anything.” James leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and godly character.

James is survived by two daughters, Ruth Shukle of Kennewick, Washington, Linda Blackwell and her husband Sam of Bend, a daughter-in-law, Thelma Billings of Roseville, California, a son, Dan Billings and his wife Jackie of Antelope, California, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters, his wife, Viola in 2010, a daughter, Naomi, a son, Jim, a grandson, Phillip, and a granddaughter, Trina.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Assemblies of God Foreign Missions, Account #7089410, 1445 N. Booneville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.

Arrangements are in the care of Prineville Funeral Home.