The Rev. Dr. James E. Fox, co-minister of the Center for Joyful Living Spiritual Awareness Center in Madera for 17 years, has died. He was 83. He died Jan. 24.
Along with his ministry, Dr. Fox wrote a column for The Madera Tribune, called “And So It Is.” His columns were collected in a book by the same title. The columns were known for drawing spiritual lessons from nature and from his observation of his beloved boxer, Tyson, and other animals that frequented his back yard in the Madera Country Club.
Other column topics were taken from his life as a diesel mechanic and businessman before he became a minister.
Dr. Fox was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Spencer, West Virginia. As a young man, he moved to Ohio, where he worked as a diesel mechanic.
He moved to Madera in 1979, and opened a heavy truck service in Fresno.
Then, in 1986, his life took what he called a 180-degree turn when he discovered Science of Mind teaching, based on the writings of Ernest Holmes, author of “The Science of Mind.”
Dr. Fox later wrote that Science of Mind taught him that all beings are expressions of the infinite intelligence of the universe, that is, of God.
“It is about knowing that the Creative Force of the Universe (God) is the source of all our good, and this loving God dwells at the very center of our being.”
Based on the religion he practiced, Dr. Fox would not say he had died, but rather that he had “transitioned” into the next phase of his spiritual life.
Dr. Fox eventually earned degrees in ministry in that religion.
He and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Joanna Fox, who also is a Religious Science minister, founded the Spiritual Awareness Center congregation in Madera.
Dr. Fox is survived by his wife of 29 years, Joanna; a brother, Jasper Fox; a sister, Betty Honeycutt; and stepdaughters Harriet D’Angelo, Julie Gomes and Victoria Gomes.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Remembrances made be made to Bright Horizon Hospice Services, 3649 W. Beechwood Ave., Suite 106a, Fresno, CA 93711.