James W Dyson

James (Jim) Dyson was born April 12, 1936, in Seattle, on Easter Sunday morning, to James Walker Dyson and Dorothy Eich Dyson. He grew up in Port Orchard, Washington, with his sister, Jane (Dyson) Burkett, and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1954.

Jim was called early to a life of faith and service. He began studies at Northwest Christian College (now Bushnell University) in 1954 and graduated in 1959. In his final year, he served as weekend youth director at First Christian Church in Corvallis, Oregon, a role that became full time that summer. He continued there as assistant minister and youth director until August 1962.

In fall 1962, Jim entered Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. While in seminary, he served First Christian Church in Veedersburg, Indiana. He later accepted a call to pastor First Christian Church in Macon, Missouri.

In the summer of 1969, Jim, his first wife, Jan, and their children, Craig and Beth, returned to Washington state, camping along the way and staying with family while awaiting his next placement. In late August, Jim was called to serve the United Church of Moscow, Idaho. During his years in Moscow, he divorced and later married Kathryn Cooley. Their 46-year marriage lasted until Kathy's death in 2019.

Jim's ministry spanned 44 years and included service to congregations across Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Missouri and Idaho. He served at First Christian Church in Bremerton, Washington, as youth director (1957-58); First Christian Church in Corvallis as youth director and assistant minister (1958-62); First Christian Church in Veedersburg as minister (1962-65); First Christian Church in Macon as minister (1965-69); United Church of Moscow as minister (1969-73); West Park Christian Church and First Christian Church in Bremerton as minister and associate minister (1973-75); and Northwest United Protestant Church in Richland, Washington, as minister (1975-2001). He earned a bachelor's degree from Northwest Christian College (1959), a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary (1966) and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary (1992).

Jim's service extended far beyond the pulpit. He served as vice moderator and moderator of the Northwest Regional Christian Church (1994-95). In Richland, he served on the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Board for several years, worked part time at Einan's Funeral Home, and spent 10 years as a per diem chaplain for Tri-Cities Chaplaincy (now Chaplaincy Health Care). He also served as a weekend and interim minister for Central Christian Church in Prosser, filled pulpits throughout the region, and officiated countless weddings, funerals and celebrations of life.
After retirement, Jim remained deeply engaged in faith community as an associate member and active participant at Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland beginning in 2002, continuing until his move to California in 2024.

Jim's joys were many: reading, writing, travelling, fishing and church organ music. He and Kathy especially loved the Oregon coast, visiting Newport once or twice each year for many years. The Spudnut Shop was a favorite place to write sermons and spend time with friends.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his warmth and the way he made people feel seen. Friendly, accepting and easy to talk with, he was known for his humor, kindness, compassion, and his legendary hugs. He loved being a pastor. He also cherished his family deeply, always making time for those he loved, no matter the distance.

Jim died Jan. 14, 2026, after a brief illness. He is survived by his sister, Jane (Dyson) Burkett; his son, Craig Dyson (Julie Ann); his daughter, Beth Dyson (Jeff); his stepson, Chris Cooley; his stepdaughter, Susie (Cooley) Matsuura; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
His beloved best friend and companion, Holly Singh, cared for him until his death. The family will always be grateful for her devotion and selfless care during his time living with her in Berkeley, California.

A memorial service will be held April 11, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland, where Jim was a member for 24 years after retirement. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Chaplaincy Health Care and/or Shalom United Church of Christ.