James Melvyn "Mel" Ming

James Melvyn "Mel" Ming, ardent Christ follower, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on February 4th, 2026.

Mel was born on August 8, 1947, in Lynwood, California, to Assemblies of God ministers James and Mable Ming. Mel was in his senior year of college when he felt God's call to train people in ministry. He was a lifelong learner, earning advanced degrees in education and ministry. Mel's career spanned academia and ministry, including service as a professor, academic dean, missionary, pastor, and leadership in the Northwest Ministry Network. In each of these roles, and in his life outside of work, Mel was committed to investing in others and delighted in seeing people reach their full potential.

More than any title or accolade, Mel treasured being a husband to Martha, a father to his daughters, and a grandfather to his grandchildren. Mel also deeply valued and was intentional in his relationships with friends, many of which spanned decades. He had a delightful sense of humor and a booming, unmistakable laugh that filled any room.

Outside of work and family, Mel loved amateur radio. He first became a ham (N7GCO) in the 1980s, and in his retirement years, enjoyed wonderful friendships formed through the Spokane DX club.

Mel's life was guided by deep faith in God. He lived with integrity, humility, and conviction. His life purpose, a line he adopted from Dawson Trotman over 50 years ago, was "to know Christ and make Him known."

Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Martha; his daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Justin Bryeans, and daughter and son-in-law, Rebekah and Jeremy Kowalski; his grandchildren, Ethan and his wife Sariana, Noah, Tait, and Lucy Bryeans, and many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 1:00 pm at Valley Assembly Church, located at 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99037.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Atlas Free (atlasfree.org) or the Union Gospel Mission (uniongospelmission.org).