The Reverend James H. McMearn was born February 17, 1940 in Crockett, Texas to the union of Alex and Elizabeth McMearn who preceded him in death. He was the youngest of seven children.

He attended and graduated from Ralph J. Bunche High School in 1958. In 1960 he joined the United States Air Force where he served until 1965. Upon discharge in 1965 he attended the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Colorado.

He licensed to preach the gospel ministry in March 1967 and was ordained on July 21, 1968 at the New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend F. L. Chandler. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1969 and was employed by the City/County Health Department where he was the director of Minority and Alcohol services until 1973.

Through divine inspiration from the Almighty he was led to organize the prayer band and bible study group which later became the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. He faithfully served as Senior Pastor for 40 years. He retired from Pastoral Leadership on November 17, 2012. Upon retiring he continued to faithfully support the leadership and congregation of New Jerusalem.

During his time in retirement, he continued in his appointed assignment to minister to the community at large. Often visiting and assisting in church development and pastoral leadership affectionately being referred to "The Pastors Pastor".

Pastor McMearn's Ministry extended locally and globally where he served in numerous capacities such as, President of the El Paso County Ministerial Union, board member of the Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, as a member of several committees of the El Pomar Foundation and as visionary, coordinator and organizer for the MEPAC (Milton E. Proby Action Committee) responsible for the naming of the $67 Million Dollar Milton E. Proby Parkway. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. His most recent being the October 21, 2012 proclamation of James H. McMearn Day by the city of Fountain, Colorado.

He is preceded in death by three sisters: Euree Chancey, Margarette Patton and Donia Freeman; One brother, Alex "Jr" McMearn.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann McMearn. Two children: Elizabeth Ann McMearn and James Alexander McMearn. Two brothers: Aaron (Willie Belle) McMearn of Houston, Texas and Elbert "Brownskin" (Leola) McMearn of Los Angeles, California. Grandchildren: Elijah David James and Delana Eliza Rose Jefferson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.