Reverend James Amspacher

Reverend James Russell Amspacher, 90, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, May 27, 2024, at his residence, under the care of Knute Nelson hospice.

James was born October 10, 1933, in Shrewsbury Township, Southeastern Pennsylvania. He received elementary education at many one-room schoolhouses and graduated from Red Lion High School's Industrial Class in 1951. He received further training in the printing industry at York Post Printers; and took additional training, including graduating at Merganthalter Intertype School in New York operation and maintenance. He enjoyed working as a printer in print shops.

He joined the United States Marine Corp (1953-1956) and trained at Paris Island, Great Lakes Naval Training Center and became a pay clerk, serving in Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA before being discharged as a Sergeant.

He graduated from Bob Jones University, Greensville, SC in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-ministerial studies; continued his educational studies at Faith Theological Seminary in Elkin's Park Philadelphia, PA. While in Philadelphia, he worked with the children at Bethanna Home. He completed seminary training at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, MN in 1963 where he met his future wife and served in the Print shop for the Lutheran Brethren Synod.

On August 31, 1963 he married Virginia Jean Wallin in Minooka, IL and raised four girls, Helen, Miriam, Teresa and Naomi. Through the years, he served the following Lutheran Brethren locations:

Brooklyn, NY;

a 3 point parish in Grand Rapids, Deer River and Big Fork MN;

a 2 point parish in Duluth, MN and Superior, WI;

Great Falls, MT;

A 2 point parish in Maddock and Manfred, ND;

a 2 point parish in Hendricks, MN and Toronto, SD;

North Tonawanda, NY;

Abercrombie, ND;

Aurdal Independent Church in rural Fergus Falls, MN

Chaplin of Sikora Post #1322 and Broen Memorial Home.

"He did not "retire" from the ministry until he was 85 years of age. He ministered to the public by sharing his faith and love of Jesus through service work with several high school and college wrestling teams and also with Hills/Ames Department Stores. He was a true disciple of Jesus, practicing humility, showing forgiveness and offering God's grace, while sharing Jesus' love. He studied the Bible daily praying unceasingly seeking wisdom and guidance to live and disciple in God's will. He frequently assisted people needing safe passage. He invited people in from the street who were hungry to eat at his family table. Wherever he lived, he mowed lawns for anyone who needed assistance and frequently shared his garden's harvest."

He was a member and secretary of Kiwanis in each city and the President of Great Falls Miracle Mile Club.

He was known to those who loved him most as "Jimmy"; "Dad", "Grandpa" "Bampa" and quite frequently as Pastor Jim. He was an artist using many mediums including cakes, candles, ceramics, and oil painted saw blades. He was a wonderful counselor, father and teacher of how to live life most abundantly. He was most concerned that he taught others to seek the Lord and Savior's wisdom and direction rather than relying upon our own or other's wisdom. Many of his friends and parishioners were led to establish or deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Edward and Mary); 10 brothers and sisters, Edward Jr., Harry, Mary, Major George, Charles, Anna, Edith, Phillip, Louise, and Frederick; nieces and nephews Dorothy, Dee-Dee Nathan and Sonny.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughters, Helen (Jeff) Hanson, Miriam (Steve) White, Teresa (Terrance O'Brien) Amspacher and Naomi (Brian) Reetz; grandchildren, Jordan (Nicole) Amspacher, Allyson (Trent) Gagner, Jacob (Alaina) White, Noah and Oliver Reetz; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Ryker, and Raina; nieces and nephews, Charles, Steve, Daniel, Catherine, Richard, Nancy, Peter, Suzie, Pamela, George, Wayne, Clarence, Ronald, Glen, Darlene, Tina, Bryan, Timothy, Robin, Linnet and Sondra.

Jim's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Knute-Nelson Hospice, especially to Chaplain Bai, Lonnie, Casey and Sheena for the loving care they offered to Jim.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Living Faith Church, Fergus Falls, MN, with a luncheon to follow the celebration. Interment will take place at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND on July 22, 2024.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com