Seventy Years Ago

Today I celebrate the person God created with me in mind before the world was even made . Humbly I thank Him for loving me that much when Jim was made.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is the verse that I felt described every stage of Jim’s life and ministry that I used at his memorial service. His life verse and mantra was Philippians 2:5ff, and he always sought to PTPOG (Practice the Presence of God).

Have you seen Testament? Joseph of Crete, a Levite, was given the nickname Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. Barnabas was Jim’s favorite NT character and, in my opinion, Jim emulated him well – always looking for the best in others, encouraging others  and helping them to shine in ministry. Barnabas was inclined to serve and was willing to whatever was needed. He was a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” (Acts 11) Doesn’t that sound just like Jim?! When faced with a person who murdered Christians – aka. the future apostle Paul – Barnabas took him under his wing and stood up for him. Barnabas was delighted to see others exhibiting God’s grace in their life and was constantly encouraging them to remain faithful. Just like Jim!

Jim was proud that he started the same year as Disneyland, McDonalds and Kermit of the Muppets. The lives of all these and more began in 1955.  Some other things that are the same age as Jim are microwaves and the TV remote, Silly putty and Mr Potato Head, Tylenol and Velcro, Mickey Mouse Club and Lady and the Tramp, Dunkin’ Donuts and Guinness Book of World Records. I cannot imagine life without these things any more than I can imagine my life without Jim!

In the Bible, the number seventy frequently appears and often signifies completeness and the fulfillment of God’s plans.  70 years represented a generation, the 70 elders who assisted Moses, and the 70 disciples who were sent out by Jesus.  The Hebrews spent 70 years in captivity in Babylon and Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 times 7.  I cannot imagine what Jim would be like at this age but he used to joke that everything was done by decades; he was on staff at DFB for just over 10 years, FBCS for 10, TIU for 10, etc. 

While I think there are unique perspectives that shaped Jim’s decades, I would say that Jim walked  by faith, in honesty and transparency, with joy, in every season of his life

1. In his teens he was called to faith and ministry.
2. In his 20’s he solidified, defined and refined God’s call through college, seminary and adding a spouse with like minded aspirations.
3. In His 30’s he completed his doctorate, started a family and expanded his ministry perspective and missional reach.
4. In his 40’s he began training others for full time ministry as he moved deeply into a mentoring role as a college professor.
5. In his 50’s while teaching at his alma mater, Jim had dreams of writing a book and revisiting some of his doctoral research. His life was cut short but his unique kingdom contributions continue to resonate.

I miss Jim today. That is nothing new. I miss him a million times every day although the urge to tell him everything has subsided. I will miss him tomorrow and all the days after that until that day when I make it home to heaven.

Happy 70th to my Jimbo!