James Prentiss "Jim" Else

Reverend James "Jim" Prentiss Else October 9th, 1921~June 12th, 2009 Former Richmond Resident Reverend James Else passed away suddenly at his home in Pleasant Hill Friday, June 12th. He was 88 years old. Born in Pueblo, Colorado to George and Elva (Hillhouse) Else, Jim was the oldest of four siblings. Jim earned his civilian pilot's license after high school and debated his future career choices. He was preparing to enter the Ministry when the U.S. entered WWII. Due to his beliefs, he initially registered as a conscientious objector, but he then volunteered to serve as an Army Medic with the 397th Field Hospital, the predecessor to the "MASH" hospitals. His unit went ashore in France a few days after D-Day and followed the front lines advance across Europe. In his later years he was proud to tell people that he had served as a "91- Bravo". He also worked as his unit's Chaplain's assistant. While stationed in England, he met Peggy Nicholls in the small town of Crewkerne. After VE day, they married and he brought her home to Colorado. Once home, he pursued his education and earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Denver and a Master's Degree from Iliff School of Theology. He began preaching as a Methodist Minister in small mining towns in Wyoming and Montana, braving the frigid winters to travel between several churches to provide services. During this time, he and Peggy had three daughters. In 1957 Jim moved his family to the warmth of Southern California and worked at the Claremont School of Theology. His two sons were born in Claremont. Jim rejoined the military as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a Military/Community liaison officer during the Watts Riots and was presented a meritorious award for his service there. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel, but a staff reduction eliminated his assignment. Jim made the unusual decision to continue his military service by reenlisting in the National Guard as a Private and he again worked his way up the ranks until he reached Sergeant First Class. He ended up serving as the race relations officer with the 49th MP unit in Alameda and retired with over 25 years of service. In 1974, Jim moved the family to Northern California and worked for the Graduate Theological Union Library, a part of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. He was active in his local Church, first the El Cerrito United Methodist and then the El Sobrante United Methodist. He was a devoted member of the Church choir and was always heard whistling the songs and hymns after practice. Jim fell in love with Yosemite National Park and he and Peggy made frequent trips there. One of his proud accomplishments was the ascent of Half Dome at the age of 74. He also enjoyed attending the Yosemite Association's annual meetings. He showed his environmental commitment by commuting by bike for over 30 years. Jim was a lifelong "train nut" and a former member of Golden Gate Live Steamers railroad club. His other passion was for books, and Jim spent many contented hours reading. Jim was preceded by his wife Peggy to whom he was married for 54 years. He is survived by his sister Berna Riser of Colorado, daughters Sue (Chuck) Hammond of Martinez, Pat (Jeff) Schoppert-Else of San Rafael and Clara (Kevin) O'Connor-Else of Guerneville; his sons Chris Else of Richmond and David (Kathy) Else of Napa; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Private services were held for his family. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or the Yosemite Association.