GRAND CHAIN, Ill. — James A. Qualls, 78, of Grand Chain passed away at 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Brookport Church of God in Brookport, Ill., with the Rev. Charles Tate officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Cemetery in Boaz, Ill.

Mr. Qualls was a former police officer for 5 years in Benton, Ill. After retiring from the church, he worked at Sam’s Club. James recently celebrated his 50th year of pastoring for the Churches of God.

James is survived by his wife, Martha Qualls; two sons, Lanny Qualls and his wife Holly of Danville, Ill., and Lyndal Qualls and his wife Cheryl of Massac County, Ill.; one grandson, Eric Qualls of Massac County, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Tammy St. Arbor and her husband Michael of Villa Ridge, Ill., and Tina Helton; three stepgrandchildren, Ashley and her husband Carlos Lopez of Ecuador, Kayla St. Arbor of La Center, and John Mikulich of La Center; one sister, Sybil Lindley and her husband Boyce of Ormond Beach, Fla.; one brother, Douglas Qualls and wife Sybil of Paragould, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Frances (Croslow) Qualls; his first wife, Margaret Ann Butler Qualls; and one brother, Darrell Qualls.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Brookport Church of God.

Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.