Church Refuses Rite For Jesse James

Fri., Sept. 22, 1995

Compiled From Wire Services

Jesse James, who quit a Baptist church more than a century ago to spare its elders embarrassment, isn’t welcome there for a final farewell.

Deacons of Kearney’s First Baptist Church, the outlaw’s former congregation, voted unanimously not to hold the Oct. 28 funeral and reburial of James, the Rev. Ron Robinson said Thursday.

The deacons, who made their decision Wednesday night, believed the funeral would be undignified and cause a media crush, Robinson said.

Remains from the grave have been analyzed by scientists to determine whether they actually belong to James. Their findings are to be announced Friday.

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Church Refuses Rite For Jesse James

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

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