Rev. James Richard Langley

Reverend James Richard Langley was born on January 29, 1954, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late Isaac Langley, Sr. and Mary (King) Langley. From the very beginning, his life was marked by quiet strength and an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and service.

James came of age during a pivotal time in history. In 1972, he graduated from Camden High School as a proud member of the first class of Black students to attend following the passage of educational integration laws—an experience that shaped his resilience and determination. He went on to attend Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art in December 1977. While there, he cultivated his artistic talents and participated on the cross-country track team. He also found lifelong brotherhood in the Theta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., into which he was initiated in the fall of 1973. That bond would remain an important and cherished part of his life.

While at Henderson State University, James met the love of his life, Gloria Dean Hollins. The two were married in 1980 and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Together they raised four children: Keith (Rolanda) Lewis of Benton, Arkansas; Tamla Lewis of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; Jami Langley (Renand) Neptune of Brockton, Massachusetts; and Jason (Mitzi) Langley of Little Rock, Arkansas. Their home was filled with lots of love, strong guidance, and laughter. Gloria’s passing in 2006 was a profound loss that James carried with quiet grace.

Answering a higher calling, James was ordained as a minister in 1989. Soon after, he founded Apostolic Faith Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he faithfully served as Senior Pastor until his passing. For 35 years, he was a devoted member of the United Pentecostal Church, guiding many people with humility, compassion, and steadfast faith—a shepherd whose ministry extended far beyond the pulpit.

In addition to his spiritual leadership, Reverend Langley lived a life of service to his country and community. He joined the United States Army Reserve in the mid-1970s and served honorably until 1991, achieving the rank of Captain in the 95th Training Command. He later dedicated decades of service to public safety, retiring from the Arkansas Department of Corrections in 2013 and from the Clark County Sheriff’s Department in 2015.

Later in life, James found love again and married Diana Beard, with whom he shared companionship and joy until her passing in February 2024. Through this union, he was blessed with two bonus sons, Anthony Beard of Malvern, Arkansas, and Jeffrey Beard of Addison, Texas.

Beyond his many titles and accomplishments, James Langley was a man of deep passions and simple joys. He shared his love for ministry with his son, Keith, who, through his guidance, became an ordained minister. Art remained close to his heart throughout his life. A gifted and accomplished artist, he was a proud member of the Clark County River Guild and a recipient of First Place in Painting at the Festival of Two Rivers in its inaugural year. He found peace wandering art museums—especially when sharing those moments with his daughter, Jami—and expressed himself often through canvas and color. In addition, Reverend Langley enjoyed sharing his love of art through teaching, by teaching in the Arkadelphia Public School System as well as in community art classes throughout the state of Arkansas.

He was equally at home outdoors, finding joy in hunting and fishing trips with his son Jason and close friends. James delighted in preparing and sharing what he caught, and he was affectionately known as a “foodie,” someone who understood that the best conversations and connections are often made around a good meal with loved ones. He enjoyed sharing new recipes and cooking experiences with his daughter, Tamla.

James leaves behind a loving and expansive family, including his mother, Mary Langley, his brothers, Isaac (Callie) Langley, Jr. of Camden, Arkansas, David (Yvonne) Langley of Freemont, California; John Langley of Oakland, California, and Marcia Langley (deceased), and 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, along with a host of cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, fraternity brothers, and dear friends. Reverend James Richard Langley’s legacy of faith, service, creativity, and love lives on through the family he built, the generations that follow him, the church he founded, and the countless lives he touched with kindness, wisdom, and grace. His memory will endure in every story shared, every lesson passed down, and every life shaped by his example.