Bishop James A. Chance, 76, of Pelham died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006. He was a minister for the Church of God of Prophecy for 48 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marie Chance of Cross, S.C., and his sister, Patsy Vonadour of Russellville, S.C.

He is survived by his wife, Bett &8220;Bessie&8221;; his sons, Jerry (Janie) Chance of McCalla, Ala., Wayne (Becky) Chance of Montevallo, Steve (Brenda) Chance of Chelsea and Ray (Debbie) Chance of Pelham; his daughter, Kay (Gary) Jones of Helena; his grandchildren, Michael Chance of Chelsea, Gary Chance of Chelsea, Melissa (Patrick) Kearney of Woodstock, Ga., Brad (Casey) Chance of Pelham, Jeremy Chance of Chelsea and Josh Jones of Helena; one great-grandson, Evan Kearney of Woodstock, Ga.; six brothers; one sister; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Service was Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home with burial following, Southern Heritage directing