James Pence shares the resilient beauty of brokenness as a speaker, singer, chalk artist, and author.
In the depths of grief after losing his precious one-week-old daughter, Michelle, James found solace in the power of words. As a young father, he turned to writing, crafting both fiction and nonfiction tales that echo God’s unwavering faithfulness amidst life’s shattering moments.
But James’ journey didn’t end there; fate dealt him another unexpected blow. In 2021, a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest nearly claimed his life. Resuscitation efforts that spanned nearly fifty minutes defied the odds, and against all expectations, James survived. God’s divine intervention paved the way for his miraculous recovery, and today, three years on, James is not only thriving but embracing life’s vibrancy.
More About James
With newfound confidence, he surprised everyone (including himself) by making it to the finals of The Voice of Hunt County, a local singing competition. Most recently, James took center stage as Mayor Shinn in a production of “The Music Man” by a local theater company. His passion for music and performance had been simmering since childhood, and now it burns brighter than ever.
In his programs, James enthralls audiences with a magical mix of Broadway and Christian melodies, weaving a tapestry of emotions with Ken Medema’s soul-stirring “story songs.” But his talents don’t end there—since 1978, James has mastered the art of performance chalk artistry, also known as “chalk art” or “chalk talk.” From churches to conferences, camps to prisons, he has traveled across the United States, mesmerizing viewers with his captivating storytelling, amazing drawings, and the melodies of his heart.
With an uncanny ability to combine music, art, and storytelling into an unforgettable experience, James leaves a profound impact on those who witness his performances. His life’s journey reflects the triumph of faith over tragedy, the beauty of resilience that God orchestrates, and the inspiring tale of unyielding determination to share hope, healing, and growth through his artistic gifts.