James Lawrence Ferguson
June 1, 1937 – December 23, 2025
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James Lawrence Ferguson, 88, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 1, 1937, and was an Arizona resident for 21 years.
James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Agatha Ferguson; his daughters, Janelle Plichta and Stephanie Giel; his son, Rodney Ferguson; as well as his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Jay and Betty Ferguson and his sister, Sharon Leathers.
James had a 37-year career in management at JC Penney’s in multiple states all over the country. He was also a member of Heart Cry Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.
A graveside urn service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 1:00pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ. The family asks if anyone would like to pay tribute to James, they may do so through a gift to the Arizona Humane Society:
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Roy and Melanie Tilghman says: We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Jim was a truly remarkable and kind man with a beautiful soul, and he will be sorely missed. Sending you much love at this difficult time.
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Paula Teff says:
Agatha your Love for Jim was remarkable and the same for Jim’s Love ❤️ for you. Now he is up in Heaven just waiting for you making the way. Probably ordering you more clothes 😇. He gave Scotty strict orders to take good care of you. I know he is doing that. He probably doesn’t even get up to go outside to potty very often any more. You’re a strong 💪 lady with a lot of good people that really care about you. I am so sorry I went through with this surgery on my big toes. I should have called and changed the date. I really care about you and Love you. Please remember that. Your Loving Friend, Paula
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Paulette and Jeff says:
We first met Jim after we moved to Gilbert and were in search of a church. We consider it Divine Intervention that the Lord assembled the group of which Jim was a part of. He faithfully shared his knowledge of the Bible and was uncompromising if he felt something did not align with the Word. We consider him one of our Biblical mentors from his enthusiastic understanding. Jim was a patriot and moved to a church that more closely matched his values. Although we stayed connected, there was an emptiness without him participating in our group. We will always cherish our friendship and the life lessons learned by knowing him.
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Rikki Schmidt says:
Agatha, I am so sorry about Jim, especially just before Christmas. But I know he is at peace in Heaven and watching over you and Scotty. He was a wonderful man and Marc and I are happy to have known him for over 15 years
Roy and Melanie Tilghman 
Paula Teff 
Paulette and Jeff 
Rikki Schmidt
We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Jim was a truly remarkable and kind man with a beautiful soul, and he will be sorely missed. Sending you much love at this difficult time.
Agatha your Love for Jim was remarkable and the same for Jim’s Love ❤️ for you. Now he is up in Heaven just waiting for you making the way. Probably ordering you more clothes 😇. He gave Scotty strict orders to take good care of you. I know he is doing that. He probably doesn’t even get up to go outside to potty very often any more. You’re a strong 💪 lady with a lot of good people that really care about you. I am so sorry I went through with this surgery on my big toes. I should have called and changed the date. I really care about you and Love you. Please remember that. Your Loving Friend, Paula
O
We first met Jim after we moved to Gilbert and were in search of a church. We consider it Divine Intervention that the Lord assembled the group of which Jim was a part of. He faithfully shared his knowledge of the Bible and was uncompromising if he felt something did not align with the Word. We consider him one of our Biblical mentors from his enthusiastic understanding. Jim was a patriot and moved to a church that more closely matched his values. Although we stayed connected, there was an emptiness without him participating in our group. We will always cherish our friendship and the life lessons learned by knowing him.
Agatha, I am so sorry about Jim, especially just before Christmas. But I know he is at peace in Heaven and watching over you and Scotty. He was a wonderful man and Marc and I are happy to have known him for over 15 years