Jim

I didn't know Jim as well as I did some of the others. Jim came later into our prayer group, and left before I did. He was an interim of sorts at a church that had a habit of not recognizing it when they had great pastors. But Jim had no hesitation in joining our merry band of praying pastors. Though we had been together for a while, and though his predecessor was also still a part of the group, Jim jumped right in with a graciousness and a kindness that won us over immediately.

Jim was passionate about helping people know Jesus, and even after he left for another charge, we kept in touch from time to time. He would send me notes once in a while, especially when there were happenings in the world that made him think of our connection. In the last communication we had over Facebook (last fall), we began by talking about Wilmore, Kentucky and about Asbury, about my new appointment and about his life in Ohio. The church he was currently serving was a part-time church, so, he said, he was doing gun repair in his spare time. (He had a "side career" as a police chaplain as well.) "Tent making," he told me, referring to the Apostle Paul's "other" career, "is not too popular these days...At 72, I am beginning to think about retiring. Maybe I will someday."

Jim didn't get to retire. At least not in this life. But last Saturday, Jim retired from full-time ministry into the presence of his Lord, Savior and King. He is at rest now, and I have no doubt that he heard these words from Jesus: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

It's humbling and a bit scary that in these last few months, two of our number have gone home to be with Jesus. I'm not old enough (I don't think) to be writing tributes so regularly. But no matter, for I rejoice that Jim is home and made new. And that I will see him again one day. Keep the coffee warm, Jim, for when we all get there, we'll have to have prayer meeting once again.