James Wayne Starnes, 75, of Grovetown, passed away on March 4, 2025.

James, originally born in Connecticut, was a longtime Augusta area resident. He was a Chef in several different departments at Fort Gordon prior to his retirement. James was an active member of the First Pentecostal Church of Grovetown, serving as a greeter for many years. Not only did he serve his church as a friendly face to greet you when you came to church, when he was able he took care of many different needs of the church such as cleaning, getting supplies or anything else the church may have needed. When not at church he enjoyed reading, listening to Gospel music, and traveling to the mountains in Tennessee. Family was of upmost importance to him. James loved his girls and his grandchildren, no matter what he was going through he always found a way to compliment and uplift his girls to encourage them. He is loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Elizabeth Starnes; his brother, Donald Starnes and his granddaughter, Haley Lynn.

Survivors include his wife, Arzola Starnes; his daughters, Anna Lynn (Carl), and Kimberly Ward (Nathan); his siblings, Kenneth Starnes, Carol Pace, Susan Schrader, David Starnes, Betty Jean Arostegui, John Starnes, Richard Starnes, Sonia Sherman, Linda Starnes, and Sharon Wilson; and his grandchildren, Jaxson Lynn, and Waylon Ward.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, March 8, 2025 at First Pentecostal Church of Grovetown with Rev. Dewain French and Assistant Pastor Carl Lynn officiating. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be John Starnes, Richard Starnes, Nathan Ward, David Starnes, Steve Kitchings, and Steven D. Kitchings.