We were saddened to learn of the recent death of retired GCI pastor Jim Reyer. After spending the evening with several family members, he passed away in his sleep in his favorite chair.
Here is his obituary:
James (Jim) Reyer, of Shepherd, MT, age 85, passed away on August 3, 2017, from complications of a stroke. He was born September 27, 1931 in Fort Wayne, IN, and lived there until 1972. He spent the last 27 years of his life in Montana.
After serving four years in the Navy on a minesweeper during the Korean War, Jim returned to Indiana and became a journeyman electrician, working for the family business, Hambrock Electric. It was in Indiana that he met his first wife, the former Alice Easley, and is where their three children were born. He became a minister in 1965 and pastored WCG churches in California, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. Because of these moves, he had numerous friends and impacted people’s lives all across the United States.
Jim had a John Wayne-type persona and enjoyed the life of the west. He and his wife Sondra owned and enjoyed horses, as well as other animals on their small “ranchette.” He was a man of his word, tough yet generous and hospitable, had a great sense of humor and could carry on a conversation with anyone he met. He was a very practical man and could do most of his own home maintenance and remodeling. As a younger man he coached and played sports such as basketball and softball and was a very good athlete. A lover of the outdoors, Jim took advantage of opportunities to camp, hunt and fish. He had a lifelong dream of going to Alaska, which was fulfilled by a fishing trip with his wife, son and daughter-in-law in the mid-1990s. He also loved music and family gatherings where music played a part. He lived life to the full.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Alice, a daughter, Rhonda, and brother, William (Bill) Hambrock of Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sondra, daughter Lori (Denny) Sexton, son Dan (Ardys) Reyer, daughter Martie Panarelli, daughter Kellie (Nigel) Bearman, son Rob (Karen) Barrett, son-in-law Gary (Rhonda) Castle, 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and sister Judy Furge of Indiana. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed.
Cards may be sent to:
Mr. Daniel L. Reyer
PO Box 309
Shepherd, MT 59079-0309
I recall that in my early WCG years Jim Reyer was both literally and figuratively one of the “towering personalities” in our fellowship. He was both loved and respected by many. What a blessed life!
Our prayers are with Sondra and the entire family.
In Him,
Santiago and Elke
My mother (Iretha) and I were saddened to learn of Jim Reyer’s passing. I remember him from his time pastoring the Des Moines, IA congregation. Our condolences and prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
Todd Woods
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, keep you snuggled in His all loving and compassionate arms during this time of loss – and always
In Christ
Grace Covenant Fellowship
Birmingham, Alabama
Jim was an honest, humble man who served God and others whole-heartedly. It’s been years but I remember attempting to follow his example.
In 1986 three Ambassador College friends traveled across the United States to bring a WCG fleet car from Boston to Pasadena. Dave West, Kevin Wright and I stayed with Jim in Colorado in August on a Friday night and Saturday Sabbath.
Jim suggested we take Loveland pass through Vail and around the tunnel on our drive through the Rockies, which we did. What a beautiful trip. From the first time I met Jim, I admired his wisdom and attitude. I wish I could have gotten to know him better.
His son Dan was a formidable opponent in basketball at Ambassador. 🙂
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dan and the family. In His love,
Mark
Dan, so sorry for your loss. Please pass my condolences to Martie and Kellie and the rest of the family.
I always liked your dad even though I only met him a couple of times.