James Randolph Named Honorary Alumnus
May 5, 2023
Faith Baptist Bible College is pleased to recognize Mr. James Douglas Randolph as 2023 Honorary Alumnus of the Organizational Leadership Program. The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to individuals who are not graduates of Faith Baptist Bible College but have shown tremendous dedication to the mission of the college and seminary and have made significant impacts on the longevity and integrity of the institution.
Mr. Randolph has served the Lord and provided vital leadership to Christian organizations and the business world for almost 50 years. He has been a board member at Faith since May 10, 1995, serving as chairman for seven years and as the vice chairman for five years.
James and his wife, Mara (Presnell) have been married since January 6, 1973. They moved to Pana, Illinois, to enter the family concrete business which was started by Mara’s grandfather in the 1930s. Jim and Mara bought Presnell Brothers in 1986 and the company became PBI Redi-Mix and Trucking with three locations. With the purchase of PBI, the Randolphs dedicated their business to the Lord, and with each opening of a new plant they rededicated the business to the Lord.
While running his business, Jim supported the work of the Illinois Redi-mix Concrete Association (IRMCA) and served on its board of directors for 12 years and as president in 1997. In 2015, the IRMCA asked Jim to serve as its executive director. James is an evangelist to the concrete industry as he demonstrates his love for his Savior and demonstrates integrity and honesty as he follows the Lord. He also works as a lobbyist for the industry, promoting and opposing bills at the statehouse in Springfield before senators and representatives, who know James by name and trust his counsel and business experience.
James and Mara have faithfully attended and served at First Baptist Church of Pana, Illinois, continuously since 1974. He has served as a deacon for 43 years (over 30 years as chairman). He has also served as choir director and song leader for 36 years and has taught Sunday School classes.
In 1979, First Baptist Church established First Baptist Christian Academy (FBCA) to train K-12th grade students in the ways of the Lord, and James served on that school board as chairman for over 30 years. Jim is a strong advocate of Christian education. He passionately promotes a Christian college degree to young people.
James and Mara have two daughters who both live in Illinois: Jill (Randolph) Jones, wife of Paul, and Kelli (Randolph) Kessler, wife of Matt. They have six grandchildren.