Promoted to Glory: Major James Deuel, Sr.
Major James Deuel, Sr. was Promoted to Glory on March 16, 2024, at the age of 92.
James William Deuel (Sr.) was born on June 29, 1931, to parents William and Cora Deuel. He was the first of five siblings. James and his family lived in the Erie, PA area for most of his early life, graduating from Harbor Creek High School in Erie in June 1949.
At the age of 17, a friend invited James to visit The Salvation Army in Erie. Back then the Erie Corps was Scandinavian, but all were welcome, and James felt great acceptance and love. On October 15, 1948, after attending just a few meetings, James was gloriously saved. From that day forward, he knew that God had something important for him to do, and that he was going to do it in and through The Salvation Army. He dedicated himself to becoming a good soldier and to preparing for future officership.
With the start of the Korean conflict in 1950, James entered the U.S. Air Force. His superiors in the military were impressed with his aptitude, placing him at an Air Force base in Amarillo, TX. While there, he attended the Amarillo Corps, still with an eye toward Salvation Army officership someday.
Upon his discharge on September 9, 1953, James was contacted about entering the Training College that year. He joined the Shepherd session of cadets with his training application still in hand—making him one of just a handful of officers entering training before they were “officially” accepted.
Cadet Evelyn Goodson caught James’s eye, and their affection for one another grew. Commissioned in June 1954, they knew they would marry. She was appointed to Atlanta Bellwood, while he was sent to Clarksburg, WV. Knowing the couple’s intention to marry, the territory transferred Evelyn to Parkersburg, WV on March 16, 1955. They were married at the Clarksburg Corps on August 4, 1955, by Major Harry Ulyat.
In January 1957, they were sent to the Atlanta Fulton Corps. Subsequent corps appointments include Hattiesburg and Greenwood, MS; and Decatur, AL.
In August 1968, they were appointed to the Texas Division where Captain Deuel served as assistant divisional financial secretary. In February 1970, they were transferred to Territorial Headquarters. From 1986-1990, the Majors Deuel served in Brazil. They also had other special assignments, serving in Argentina, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Portugal.
One of Major James’ major accomplishments was the creation and development of the electronic data processing department for the Southern Territory—propelling The Salvation Army into the Computer Age.
Majors James and Evelyn Deuel entered honored retirement on June 30, 1996.
Major James Deuel, Sr. is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 65 years, Major Evelyn Deuel. Four children survive him: James, Jr., Carol, Judi, and Brent, as well as eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren (a 20th great-grandchild is due January 2025). Of their family, three serve as Salvation Army officers.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for June 29 (which would have been his 93rd birthday), at The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, GA, with Captain Paul Ryerson officiating.