James Daniel Pardue

James Daniel Pardue departed this life to claim the promise of the Resurrection on Christmas Day after a long illness. Rev. Pardue was a devoted Christian, musician, husband, father, son and brother. He was born in Moravian Falls, NC and had lived in Statesville since 1984. He was a graduate of Mars Hill College, the University of Alabama and Columbia University, and also studied voice with Walter Golde at the post graduate level. His professional affiliations included the N.C.Baptist Ministers of Music Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing in which he also served as an adjudicator, and the Westminster Choir College Vocal Pedagogy Institute. He taught at the University of Alabama and Mitchell Community College in the music department. Rev. Pardue served several churches as Minister of Music and was currently serving at First ARP Church of Statesville. In his ministerial role, he has offered music for countless worship services and has taught students and church members of all ages and talents to sing and to integrate music into their lives. He had a tremendous ministry of music and love wherever he worked, but his first passion was singing, and he was fortunate to do this his whole life. He embraced life, love, laughter and music. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hobson Pardue and his sisters Alice Pardue and Ann Elledge. He is survived by his wife (and pianist) of 59 years, Jane Wright Pardue, his daughters, Susan Pardue and Lea Slaton (Joe) and his cat Cara, and several choirs full of students and choir members who received the gift of music from him. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at First ARP Church in Statesville with a reception following in the church fellowship hall. The Rev. Dr. Lea Slaton and the Rev. Phil McCoy will serve as officiating ministers. Memorials may be made to the Florida Chamber Music Project, PO Box 1634, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 (www.floridachambermusic.org) or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org). Also, the family asks that, in honor of Rev. Pardue, family and friends try to sing something every day. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family. SOLI DEO GLORIA