In Loving Memory of Jim Bevis

Jim Bevis 7/20/37 - 2/21/26

On behalf of the CSR Board, please, know how much we have appreciated your continued prayers and support for Jim and Anne. Your kindness has meant more than you can know. In loving memory of our founder and president, CSR Ministries shares with you the obituary and notice of services for our beloved Jim Bevis.

Jim R. Bevis (Jimmy Ray), 88, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2026, in Braselton, Georgia, lovingly surrounded by his family. As he entered eternity, thunder rolled and the skies opened in rain — a fitting farewell for a man whose life carried such presence and power.

Jim is survived by his beautiful and beloved wife, Anne (Wagnon) Bevis. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Born on July 20, 1937, in Florence, Alabama, to Eugene and Irene Bevis at the old Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, Jim was an only child. He graduated from Mars Hill Bible School and attended Florida Christian College for two years before transferring to Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama), where he earned his degree. He later pursued graduate studies at Georgia State University and Emory University’s Chandler School of Theology.

Throughout his life, Jim faithfully served the Church and his community. He was President of the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta and served former Mayor Maynard Jackson on the Mayor’s Religious Advisory Committee. A pioneer within the Churches of Christ, Jim developed Christian education programs, Campus Evangelism initiatives, and area-wide prayer movements such as Pray for Atlanta and ASK Prayer Fellowship.

He was widely known for orchestrating impactful gatherings including Say So, Come Together, and traveling to stir the wells of revival at documented historic Revival sites. He broke new ground opening the Koinonia Christian Bookstore and facilitated his signature event Conferences on Spiritual Renewal (CSR) around the world. Jim pastored churches in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. His apostolic calling expanded his heart beyond the local church to serve the Body of Christ at large. His passion was cultivating vibrant Biblical living, the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit and modeling a devoted life of prayer. Jim and Anne were honored to serve in YWAM/Mercy Ships as an Ambassador at Large. In his last season of ministry, he focused on “the ministry of encouragement” representing the ministry Pastor Care.

With a deep desire to honor unsung spiritual heroes, Jim established the Spirit of the Shoals Award and event. He was a devoted supporter of Israel and actively promoted its welfare. He was also a proud American, a Rotarian, and a strong advocate for those suffering under religious or political oppression.

Jim’s life and ministry are chronicled in his book, I Love to Tell the Story, published by Signature Studios of Florence, Alabama. He and Anne co-hosted a weekly radio program, What on Earth Is God Doing? which aired on WBTG radio throughout the Southeast.

Jim’s greatest pride and joy were his “precious Anne,” and their four daughters: Melody (Bobby) Baker, Robyn (Perry) Balcom, Amy (Steve) Poe, and Holly (Jim) Allen. He loved cooking, traveling, reading, and building an extensive personal library. In a testament to his enduring legacy, Jim officiated the weddings of all eleven of his grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed the increasing number of his great-grandchildren, which currently stands at 15 with another expected. Including spouses, the Bevis family now comprises 48 members, representing an enduring legacy of love.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM on March 7th at Grace House in Florence, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested respects be shown through donations to CSR Ministries in memory of Jim. You may do so by using this online link, or by mailing directly to: CSR Ministries, P.O. Box 542, Braselton, GA 30517. Thank you.