James Harry Long

Pastor James (Joe) Long transitioned over to be with his Lord & Savior on November 29, 2010 at 10:44AM at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. Joe spent 13 years bravely fighting prostate cancer. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee to the proud parents of Mr. & Mrs. Floyd and Hattie Long, April 20, 1951. Raised in Charlotte North Carolina James later moved to Orlando after he retired from the Army. Joe and his beautiful and lovely wife (Lareece) reside in Winter Garden Florida where they are members of The Masters Touch International Church in Longwood, Florida. Joe dedicated his life accomplishing great things. He was the Founding Pastor of Tree of Life Christian Ministries in Kissimmee, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Theology from New Birth Bible Institute of Lithonia, Georgia in 2009, and now he has graduated to the "Masters" level in Heaven on November 29, 2010. Joe was one of the first African American police officers to serve on the Charlotte Mecklenburg City Police Force in North Carolina. He served our country in Desert Storm and in 1995, he retired as a disabled veteran from the United States Army; ranking as a Sergeant First Class E7. He was awarded the Army Accommodation Medal and Military Service Award and numerous other awards. He not only served his county but continued his service for the Kingdom of God and God's people. Joe professionally practiced kick boxing in Charlotte, North Carolina and studied Tae Kwan Do in Okinawa, Japan; where he earned a black belt. He leaves to rejoice in his triumph his loving wife, Lareece Long; his mother, Mrs. Hattie Long; four children, James Christopher Parks Long(Keisha), Jacqueline Camille Parks Long, Princessa Jeanette Long-Gahl (Garry) and Joseph Ramon Omari Long; two stepchildren, Thaisa E. Gee and George E. Gee Jr,; four loving brothers, Minister Floyd Long III, Bishop Eddie Long (Vanessa), and Deacon Larry Long (Sandra); three grandchildren, Mekeigh Grant, Yanyce Long, and James Anthony Long; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL. 32751. Phone 407-695-CARE (2273). Please visit us at www.degusipefuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.

James Harry Long

April 20, 1951 - November 29, 2010