We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Jim Kissee, Pastor of the GCI church in Springfield, Missouri. After a long fight with cancer, Jim passed away Saturday, October 19. The following is his obituary which was first published on his tribute page at Adams Funeral Home.
Jim loved and he lived. He was a kind and caring person who valued faith and family above all else. He believed in forgiveness, had immense biblical knowledge, and wanted people to know hope and love through Jesus Christ.
James Everett Kissee was born on June 29, 1943 to Sherman Everett and Goldie Katherine Kissee. He grew up on a farm with four brothers in Marshfield, Missouri. Jim married Kaye Pyle on June 7, 1969 and they had three children – Jim, Janna, and Joe.
Jim was interested in sports from a very young age and had a particular fondness and aptitude for basketball. He excelled as an athlete and continued to put high importance on discipline, mental strength, and physical activity throughout his entire life.
After high school, Jim played basketball for two years at Arkansas City Junior College in Kansas and then for two years at the University of Arkansas where he earned his first Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation he moved to Big Sandy, Texas to attend Ambassador University, where he earned his second Bachelor’s Degree. It was there that he met Kaye and found his calling in life to minister and teach. Education was a lifelong passion for Jim. During his time as a professor at Ambassador, he earned both a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate from Texas A&M Commerce.
Jim’s love of helping others through education and counseling made a lasting impact on countless lives. Some of his fondest memories were of the years he spent teaching, counseling, and working with students at Ambassador University. He encouraged us and others to embrace and love one another, to share knowledge unashamedly and without fear, and to strive to reach our highest potential.
Jim was a pastor, faithfully served the Lord, exemplified positivity and always had a hopeful outlook on the future, even in the face of adversity. He loved his family and got great joy from his grandchildren.
Jim’s earthly body succumbed to cancer Saturday, October 19, 2019 but he continues to inspire. He will be remembered by family and those close to him as a caring intellectual that exhibited great strength and grace.
Jim is survived by his wife Kaye; son Jim Kissee; daughter and son-in-law Janna and Nate Jones, grandchildren Zander and Lilah; son and daughter-in-law Joe and Rachel Kissee, grandsons Andrew, Evan, and Isaac; and brothers Archie, Les, and Bob Kissee; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Goldie Kissee, his brother John Kissee, and numerous other loved ones.
Cards and letters may be sent to:
Mrs. Kaye Kissee
601 N 36th St
Nixa, MO 65714-7558
Dear Kaye and family,
It is with great sadness that we receive these news. Jim was one of those very special persons whose name was widely recognized and respected in our fellowship. Talking to him on a couple of occasions at denominational conferences was always a pleasure. What a great gift of humor! He will be missed by many, but the time will come when we will all be together again in a world where Jim can help us smile and laugh again.
With love,
Santiago
Dr. Kissee was one of my favorite instructors at Ambassador University. It was also my honor and great pleasure to serve alongside of him the year he came to Heartland SEP. He’ll be missed by multitudes of people. To the Kissee family, please accept my most heart felt condolences and prayers for the Holy Spirit to comfort you.
Todd Woods
I know Jim from the time at Ambassador University 1992/93. I found him an engaging and friendly personality and he taught me a lot on the subject of counselling. As a pastor, I use his teaching on a daily basis in my work.
Hans de Moei
The Netherlands
Hans, thank you so much for your kind words and remembrances of Jim. It makes me so happy to know that you use his teaching on a daily basis. Kaye Kissee
I go back to 1966 with Jim as we both attended Springfield, MO RCG/WCG (at the time), where he ironically ended up his pastoral career. Jim had no peer in the way he expressed himself in unconditional love and will be greatly missed. All support goes to Kaye and family. We’ll all see Jim again “all bye and bye,” so “cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine.”