James Croft accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour as a child during a Vacation Bible School. He surrendered to God's call to preach the Gospel on December 4, 1994, and was immediately licensed by First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida.   

James has what some pastors have called a unique evangelistic ministry in that he is only 3'10" tall. His size attracts the attention of adults, youth and children, allowing him the opportunity to share the Gospel. He even has a pulpit that was made to fit his size. He jokingly says, "Have pulpit, will travel."

He has preached revivals and youth services in north Florida, south Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.  He has also conducted crusades, church leaders conferences and Vacation Bible Schools in Ghana, West Africa for the past three years.

When James is not preaching he attends his home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida.  He is a Southern Baptist evangelist, but has preached in churches of various denominations.  He is also a member of the Conference Of Florida Baptist Evangelists (COFBE).

James and JCEA ministries have been the subject of several articles in various publications.  A listing of links to some of these articles are located here.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980's he worked as a radio DJ with the nickname “James the Giant”.  He also performed stand-up comedy on the world famous WSM Grand Ole Opry in 1981.  He then entered the political arena in 1984 winning election to the Baker County Commission in north Florida.  He served only one term and often jokes, “they elected me in 1984 and un-elected me in 1988”.

James is a graduate of Baker County High School and Lake City Community College. He was once employed by New River Solid Waste Association as Assistant Director for Recycling & Education, and as Executive Coordinator of Keep Tri-counties Beautiful, Inc.  James is now a vocational evangelist.