James D. Key
James D. Key | |
|---|---|
 Key in 2026 | |
| Title | Pastor |
| Personal | |
| Born | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Education | California State University, Northridge; Princeton Theological Seminary; Howard University |
| Occupation | Minister, military chaplain, author |
| Church | Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles |
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James D. Key is an American Baptist minister, retired United States Army chaplain, and author. In 2026, he became the ninth pastor of Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles, the oldest African American Baptist congregation in Los Angeles.[1]
Early life and education
Key was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Crenshaw district. He attended public schools in Los Angeles and graduated from Dorsey High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication from California State University, Northridge. He subsequently pursued theological education at Princeton Theological Seminary and Howard University School of Divinity, earning graduate degrees in theology and ministry.[2]
Howard University identifies Key as a 1992 Master of Divinity and 1996 Doctor of Ministry alumnus[3]
Key was ordained at Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles.
Military ministry
Key served for more than 23 years as a chaplain in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of colonel.
His military ministry included assignments in the United States and overseas. During his career, Key served as an Army chaplain in Iraq and at installations including Fort Drum, New York.
In 2017, Spectrum News profiled Key while he was serving as a major and chaplain with the 10th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Drum. The profile examined his work with soldiers and military families as well as his experiences growing up in South Central Los Angeles.Dwyer, Brian (March 1, 2017). "Facing the Rising Sun: Fort Drum Chaplain Dr. James Key". Spectrum News. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
In 2018, the American Homefront Project profiled Key while he was serving as a Baptist Army chaplain at Fort Drum. The report examined his ministry to soldiers of different religious traditions and the broader role of chaplains in a religiously diverse military.Harris, Sarah (May 7, 2018). "As The Army Grows More Diverse, It Faces A Shortage of Chaplains". American Homefront Project. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
Key later served as senior command chaplain of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. In 2023 and 2024, he delivered invocations before the New York State Senate during observances honoring the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum."New York State Senate Transcript, May 30, 2023". New York State Senate. May 30, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2026."New York State Senate Transcript, May 7, 2024". New York State Senate. May 7, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
During the final years of his military career, Key served as Senior Command Chaplain for the National Capital Region. He delivered the invocation at the Armed Forces farewell ceremony for President Joe Biden and was selected to deliver the committal statement and closing benediction at the Final Military Honors Ceremony for former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Key retired from the Army in 2026.
Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles
In January 2026, Key became the ninth pastor of Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
His inaugural service was attended by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Los Angeles City Council member Curren Price, and other civic leaders.
In May 2026, Key joined Bass and officials from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at Second Baptist Church for an event promoting energy-efficiency upgrades for businesses and community institutions. Key discussed the effect of the improvements on the church’s operating costs, safety and children’s programs.Brown, Lila (May 20, 2026). "Mayor Bass and LADWP Promote Free Energy Upgrades for Neighborhood Businesses". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
Writing
Key is the author of two autobiographical books.
His first book, ‘‘Touch-and-Go: From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War in Iraq’’, was published in 2010. The book concerns his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, religious faith, and experiences as an Army chaplain during the Iraq War.
In 2020, Key published ‘‘A Long Way from Crenshaw: Lessons and Stories About Race, Love, Honor, and Faith for These Changing Times’’. The book contains forty lessons and stories drawn from his experiences and addresses subjects including race, relationships, faith and resilience.
Awards and decorations
Key’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal.
Spectrum News reported in its 2017 profile that Key had received the Bronze Star as well as Army service, achievement and commendation medals.
Personal life
Key is married to microbiologist Simone dos Santos. He has two adult children.
Bibliography
- Key, James D. (2010). ‘‘Touch-and-Go: From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War in Iraq’’. ISBN 9781609113421.
- Key, James Darren (2020). ‘‘A Long Way from Crenshaw: Lessons and Stories About Race, Love, Honor, and Faith for These Changing Times’’. WestBow Press. ISBN 9781973690597.
References
- ↑ "Source Acknowledgments", Latinx Writing Los Angeles, UNP - Nebraska, pp. 215–218, retrieved 2026-09-29
- ↑ "Figure 14: Author citation by journal source". doi.org. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Wisniewski, Gaya (2019-01). "Mon bison". Ortho Magazine. 25 (140): 30. doi:10.1016/s1262-4586(22)00196-0. ISSN 1262-4586. Check date values in:
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External links
- James Key at Fort Drum, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Category:Living people
Category:American Baptist ministers
Category:United States Army chaplains
Category:United States Army colonels
Category:African-American Christian clergy
Category:Princeton Theological Seminary alumni
Category:Howard University alumni
Category:Religious leaders from Los Angeles
Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit
Category:Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
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