Rev. James Herman Mentlow Jr.

James Herman Mentlow Jr. was born on December 9, 1949, to the late James H. Mentlow Sr. and Vivian Mentlow. He was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

James was a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, after which he attended Case Western Reserve University. He also attended Temple Bible College, where he received his Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Theology. He accepted his call to minister the Word of God while attending Galilee Baptist Church, where he served until he joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

James was a man who truly loved the Lord and was very passionate about the Word of God. For over the last 30-plus years, he has been a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Sylvia. There, he served as an Associate Minister, a Sunday School teacher, a Marriage Enrichment Ministry facilitator, the Music Ministry Spiritual Advisor and shared his gift of song in the Mass Choir, the Male Chorus, and with the group Spiritual Harmony.

James worked for Hamilton County Job and Family Services until his retirement after 30 years of service. He was also a published author of The Servant Life and had authored a second manuscript. James—lovingly known as “Rev” by most and “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and godchildren—found enjoyment in watching sports and sports commentaries, preaching, singing, writing, reading, counseling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Preceded in Death By: His father, James H. Mentlow Sr.; his mother, Vivian Mentlow; his brother, Jerome Mentlow; his sister, Carla Mentlow; his brother, Ali Khan

He Leaves to Cherish His Memory: His devoted wife of 29 years, Sylvia Mentlow; stepchildren, Koree Thatcher and Anthony Thatcher (Dorienne); brothers-in-law, Charles Acklin and Kenneth Acklin; grandchildren, Amari, Dior, and Adore Thatcher; godchildren, Jeziah Ferrar, Dee Dee (Nick), Alyse, Aleyah, and Elisha Pennington, E’moni, I’drisse, and Zuri Hunn; his spiritual daughter, Latasha Cox (Vejer); and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, surrogate children, church family, colleagues and friends.

James’s legacy of faith, love, and encouragement will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

 “You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart.”

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