Photo courtesy of Hewell and Son Funeral Home
Jacksonville, Florida
Jul 1, 1924 – Sep 10, 2016 (Age 92)
A memorial service for The Reverend Doctor John Thomas Sofge, Jr., age 92, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 in the chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd. S. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Holiday Inn Express located at 4791 Windsor Commons, near JTB & Hodges.
Tom, a native of Jacksonville and a graduate of Landon H.S., was born on July 1, 1924 to John Thomas Sofge, Sr. & Beatrice Powell Sofge. He passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Fleet Landing with family at his side.
Tom served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII and retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps as a Lt. Colonel.
He received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, a Bachelor of Divinity from Emory University, a Masters in Church History from Vanderbilt University, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Florida Southern College. Tom was an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church and served for 42 years in the Florida Conference, serving first in a number of churches throughout the state, then as District Superintendent in West Palm Beach. He retired in 1993 as Executive Director of The Board of Ministry and Pensions. After his retirement, Tom enjoyed playing with the "Recycles" orchestra in Jacksonville.
He is survived by his Wife of 68 years, Helen Lucille Sofge, his children, David Sofge (Shula) and Helen Atter (Michael); four grandchildren: Eric Sofge, Michelle Sofge, Lenorae Atter & Brittany Atter and a brother Robert Sofge (Nancy).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's name to either Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 or to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Children's Way, Enterprise, FL 32725.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S.
Read MoreTom would be nearly one hundred today and would be living that exemplary life which made him an unforgettable Christian, patriot, pastor and friend. To know him was to become a better person. Miss you, "Dr. Tom,"
Alan Beaver
September 07, 2022
All the Rutland family extends our deepest condolences for your loss. Gene and Martha Jane have many fond memories of serving along with Tom and Helen. These we cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Martha Jane and Gene RUTLAND
September 19, 2016 | NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL
Our thoughts of deepest sympathy are with your entire family at this time of loss. God's peace be with you.
Randall and Dorothy Collins
Atlantic Beach
September 17, 2016
Dear Lucille - our sister in Christ,
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. To lose one's mate after so many years together is sad, but we pray you will hold on to those treasured memories and lean on our Father for peace and support. Stay in touch and let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
FLUMC Clergy Mates
Anita Campbell
September 16, 2016 | DeLand, FL
I was fortunate to serve as pastor of Swaim UMC in Jacksonville where Tom was raised and where his parents were still attending when I was there. Tom's parents affirmed what we already knew; Tom was an extraordinary man who lived and extraordinary life as a bomber pilot (B-17), pastor, scholar, mentor, gifted administrator, family man and friend. The most fitting tribute we can pay Tom is to practice what he preached; he certainly did.
alan beaver
September 15, 2016 | Wesley Chapel, FL
A great and storied history. Legacy personified.
Gene Kendall
September 13, 2016 | Fernandina Beach, FL
We treasure the happy memories of being together and wish we could be with you now.
Our thoughts and prayers go to you Lucile and each member of your family
Mary Evelyn and Clark Jones
September 13, 2016
