Reverend Dr. James B. Marshall received his early formal training at Immanuel Lutheran Seminary Greensboro,North Carolina. He is also a graduate of Alabama State University where he received his Bachelors in Secondary Education and a Masters of Education in Counseling. He was awarded a Doctorate of Laws degree from River Forest Lutheran University. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Theology from Concordia College. Pastor James B. Marshall presided over Grace Lutheran Church (Montgomery) and in later years Faith Lutheran Church (Mobile). He retired from the USAF Reserve with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dr. Rev. Marshall was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc. He was married to Katie Lyons Marshall for 54 years and they have two children Angela Marshall Rodgers and Derick Marshall and two surviving grandchildren Adam James Rodgers and Kyley Elise Marshall. At the time of his death, he was married to Vivian Mike Marshall.