- James Schatz
The Rev. James “Jim” Marvin Schatz, 77, Tripp, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at Avera St. Benedict Hospital, Parkston, following a slow decline of health.
He was born on June 5, 1935.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Frieden’s Reformed Church in Tripp with the Revs. Greg Way, Ted Bader and Fred Springer officiating. Burial will be in Frieden’s Reformed Cemetery, Tripp.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at Goglin Funeral Home, Tripp.
Organist is Shelly Finck. Honorary pallbearers are Emilia Barton, Sam Mueller, Gracey Schatz and Kennedy Schatz. Active pallbearers are John Ames, Rick Ames, Leland Barton, Trevor Barton, Bruce Schatz and Jason Schatz.
The Rev. James “Jim” Marvin Schatz was born at Elgin, N.D., to Henry and Emilia (Karch) Schatz.
Jim grew up on a hard-working farm 15 miles north of Elgin, with five brothers and one sister.
The family attended St. John’s Congregational Church in New Leipzig, N.D., where Jim was baptized, confirmed and received his “call to the ministry of Jesus Christ” in June 1954, shortly after his graduation from Elgin High School.
He enrolled in Yankton College School of Theology, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in June 1958 and a bachelor of theology in 1959.
While a young pastor and father, Jim completed his formal education at the United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Minn., with a bachelor of divinity in 1966.
Jim married Sarah “Sally” Ann Ames on Sept. 1, 1957.
They moved to Alpena, where he served at Bethlehem Congregational Church and was ordained March 23, 1960, by the German Congregational Association of South Dakota.
He ministered and taught God’s love through the United Church of Christ for the rest of his career at churches in McLaughlin; Maple Lake, Minn.; Welcome, Minn.; Fort Collins, Colo.; Wiggins, Colo.; Belle Fourche; Tripp; Schleswig, Iowa; and finally, Wessington Springs.
While retired, he was an interim pastor at three South Dakota churches in Huron, Mitchell and Fort Pierre. He was active in the local ministerial associations and served in all the major offices within the association and state conference.
Jim had a special love for youth ministries, being active in Boy Scouts, junior and senior high youth groups and camp programs at Placerville and Camp LaForet, Colo.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Clifford, Emil, Ervin and Kenneth. Of the seven children, his brother Henry and sister Eunice are still living. Jim will be remembered always by his beloved wife, Sally; and four children: Steve, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Kathy Barton, Houston, Texas; Susan (husband Dave Mueller), Boise, Idaho; and Tom (wife Amey), Tripp. Jim enjoyed his grandchildren: Emilia, Leland James, Trevor Jay, Kennedy, Sam and Gracey.
He retired to Miller.
Later, they returned to Tripp to be near their son, Tom, and his family. He always looked forward to summer vacations, where he and his family traveled and camped.
His hobbies included photography, his motorcycle, hunting and fishing.
Jim and Sally celebrated 55 years of devoted marriage this past September.
His family expresses appreciation to the Good Samaritan Society of Tripp for their compassionate care these last three years. Thanks also to family, friends and the Tripp community for their support during this time of grieving our loss and celebrating Jim’s life.
Tags: obituaries, tripp
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