James DeVaughn Sayles was born August 6, 1951 in Odessa, TX to Eva Mae and Henry E. Sayles. He was the youngest of two brothers, Charles E. and Kenneth H. Sayles, born to this union.

During his youth he attended school in Tahoka, TX and a Navajo reservation school in Chinle, AZ. He was an athletic teen and a very good football player where he held records in this sport. Having the option to attend Arizona State University after high school graduation, DeVaughn chose to journey to Colorado to be near his mother.

On April 2, 1987 James married Frankie Mae Johnson. James worked many years at Caterpillar and in his latter years owned his own lawn care service.

Influenced by his saintly grandmother, Mother Helen Kirkland, and loving mother he returned to Progressive and began running for his life. Faithfully attending and participating in Sunday School, Bible Study, and Worship Services, he began to grow in knowledge of the Word and dedication to the Lord. He loved singing in the choir and had a strong tenor voice. The song he gave his all to singing was "Never Would Have Made It" because it was his testimony.

We saw a flame ignite after he started following Pastor Frank Grace to minister at The Crossing, where he got an opportunity to share the gospel and his testimony with those in need.
Deacon Sayles never missed an opportunity when he got the mic to thank and praise God for blessing him; always letting us know how much he loved the Lord. His favorite saying was, "any way you bless me Lord, I'll be satisfied."

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Frankie Mae Sayles, his brothers Kenneth H. Sayles of Arizona and Gregory Neal Sayles of Texas, the Progressive Church Family, and many other saints and friends.

Bro. Sayles will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him. You will be greatly missed.