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BORN
1948
DIED
2014
James Imse Obituary
SPIDER LAKE, WISCONSIN - James L. Imse, age 65 of Spider Lake, WI, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 at his home. Pastor Imse was born in Cheverly, Maryland on July 20, 1948 and grew up in western New York. His family moved to New England while he was in high school. He graduated from Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA and attended seminaries in Leuven, Belgium and Baltimore, MD, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Theology. He was ordained as a Catholic Priest on Mar 27, 1975 in Worcester. He then earned his Master's Degree in Religious Studies in 1986 and served in that diocese until 1993, when he moved to the Diocese of Superior, WI serving four more years. In 1997 he left the priesthood and moved to Spider Lake, WI. In Apr of 1998 he was licensed by the United Church of Christ (UCC), and called as pastor and teacher of the Congregational U.C.C. in Mellen, WI, where he served until his death. In 2000 he received full ministerial standing in the Northwest Association of the U.C.C.
Pastor Imse was very instrumental in continuing the annual Veterans Day Service, Lenton Breakfast Services and Christmas Concerts at the Mellen U.C.C. He was an active member of the Spider Lake Fire Dept as an EMT, the Hayward Lions Club, the Mellen Thrift Store (Wholly Threads), Memorial day Cemetery Services, the Highbridge Aged Iron Club, the Friends of Copper Falls State Park and an avid outdoorsman and gardener. He was also heavily involved in in several theatrical productions in northern WI and was named the "Person of the Year" by the Mellen Chamber of Commerce in 2007.
In addition to his mother, Fern A. (Symons) Imse of Westborough, MA, Pastor Jim is survived by four brothers: Peter F. Imse of Bow, NH; John P. Imse of Golden CO; Andrew E. Imse of Simsbury, CT and Mark W. Imse of Auborn, MA; one aunt, Janet Tiernan of Lakeland, FL; 12 nephews and nieces.
Pastor Imse was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Thomas P. Imse and his brother, Thomas Paul Imse.
A Memorial Service celebrating Pastor Jim's life will be held on Saturday, Mar 1, 2014. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mellen beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 with Lay Pastor Deanne Allen, Lynn Larson and Pastor Marina LaChecki officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the Memorial Service.
Interment will be private.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Mellen and Ashland, WI.
Online condolences for Pastor Jim's family may be left at
MountainFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Imse
Kathleen (Allen) Woodworth
October 8, 2021
I came across this information completely by accident, and I'm shocked. Jim was a huge part of my life from a young age until my early 20s. He was very close to my family, and spent many weekends/vacations with us. He was like an uncle to me, truly. I know my parents (Pat and Paul Allen) kept in touch with him over the years. My heart goes out to Jim's family.
Becky Hulbert
April 5, 2014
Father Jim was a delight to know and love. He was a mentor to young people at St.Boniface, Lunenburg, MA and a personal friend. He baptized our son and visit and visited in our home often.
Becky Bourque Hulbert, The Villages, FL
Officiating at a wedding.
March 12, 2014
Lee and Shannon Nelson
March 10, 2014
We can't even begin to think of saying goodbye to our dear friend. He was so funny, kind and a great friend to our family. He spent Christmas mornings with us for a few years enjoying the chaos of our two young kids. We will miss you beyond words, Jim. Rest in peace.
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Sandy Neuswanger
March 1, 2014
I send my heartfelt condolences to Jim's family. He was a wonderful man I had the pleasure of knowing through the Chequamegon Lions. I will remember Jim for his always smiling face, kind words & deeds he showered upon others, and his love of gardening and flowers. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and anyone who knew him.
Diana Randolph
February 28, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's death. He was a talented, friendly and sensitive person. I especially enjoyed seeing him on stage in various productions. Sending warm wishes to his family and friends, knowing what an empty spot he leaves.So sorry for your loss.
February 27, 2014
SO SAD TO HEAR OF JIM'S PASSING...HE WAS A UNIQUE MAN AND I RECALL HIS MINISTRY IN WORCESTER WITH FONDNESS. I PRAY FOR HIS PEACEFUL REPOSE AND FOR HIS FAMILY. FR. PAUL O'CONNELL, SHREWSBURY, MA
The Rev. Annie Henninger
February 27, 2014
Jim was a mentor and a good friend whom I've known since the late 90's. He was one of my presenters at my ordination to the Episcopal priesthood. Whenever I saw him his hands were filled with flowers from his incredible garden! His words, his life was a testament to God's love. I miss him dearly. He lived large in the time he had on this earth.
February 26, 2014
David and I won't be in town to attend the services for Jim. He was a wonderful person who always reminded us to do the right thing, to enjoy life and as Lions, to serve the world !! God Bless and keep him.
Kris Kruzan
February 23, 2014
Pastor Jim was a great inspiration to our family. He welcomed everyone into church, always had a smile on his face, and was one of the kindest men I've had the pleasure to know in life.
Jeanne Lynch
February 22, 2014
James Imse was a very good and special person. He marched to his own drum. I admired him for that.
Mardy Ehrhardt
February 22, 2014
With a very heavy heart I bid my farewell to Pastor Jim. He was well loved in our community and surrounding area. He gave support when needed to anyone in need. He will be dearly missed at our church. I take refuge that he is now in heaven with Jesus. He was a faithful servant. He touched many with kindness and hope. God bless you, Pastor Jim, and thanks for your teachings!
February 22, 2014
WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS, DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE IMSE FAMILY. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. MAY GOD BLESS. RALPH AND ANITA
The Blessing of the Animals, Mellen Churchyard
Mardy Ehrhardt
February 20, 2014
Congregational UCC Picnic, 2012
Mardy Ehrhardt
February 20, 2014
Memorial Service at Mellen Union Cemetery
Mardy Ehrhardt
February 20, 2014
Congregational UCC Church Picnic, 2012
February 20, 2014
The Blessing of the Animals
February 20, 2014
Memorial Day Service in Mellen
February 20, 2014
Diane Reiter
February 20, 2014
My deepest condolences to Pastor Jims family, friends and the community of Mellen. Jim was very involved in the community and will be missed by many.
February 19, 2014
The members of the Northern Aged Iron Tractor Club wish to express their sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all members of Pastor Jim' family.
RaeAnn Beebe
February 19, 2014
I was so shocked and saddened when I heard the news of Jim's passing. He was a welcomed presence at our Fall Clergy Retreat at Moon Beach. Every year he would offer to take people on a canoe trip on Monday afternoon. I resisted going on these trips until this past year. I had so much fun and Jim was so patient with me as I knew nothing about canoeing. This is how I will remember Jim.
Colleen Triola
February 19, 2014
SO sorry to learn of Jims passing! He was a part of our family for many years, and performed our wedding ceremony. He was a great friend and comfort to may parents as they got older....he will be sorely missed.
Mike and Colleen Triola
February 19, 2014
Jim was a long-term and dear friend. He was a special gift to my parents when he was part of their church and subsequently, reaching out to them as friend and counselor. I shall miss him very much.
Stan and Jackie Olson
February 19, 2014
Our sympathy to family and friends.
February 19, 2014
Jim was one of a few that held me in awe yet was the most approachable and unimposing man; which was part of his awesomeness!
He will be missed; especially at every Moon Beach retreat!
patti steevens
Stephen DeVincent
February 19, 2014
What a joy to have known the Imse family, so much involved in community and spirit...what sad news
Doug Teschner
February 18, 2014
My thoughts are with the family with many good memories of Westboro
Anna Suzan
February 18, 2014
So shocked to hear of Jim's passing. He is a friend from the Serendipity Theater group in Hayward. Jim was a man with much spirit. God has called a special angel home.
Jan Stapleton
February 18, 2014
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Jim's death. He was an outstanding member of our local Chequamegon Lions Club, and provided our invocation at almost every meeting, even last week. He frequently added his beautiful voice in song to our events and meetings. Jim was a robust volunteer at our fundraisers for the community, and a true example of our motto of service. We will truly miss you, our dear friend.
richard boyd
February 18, 2014
As a good friend of Jim's in high school, I am stunned to learn of his passing.
Nothing about his accomplishments in life surprise me. He was a person who was involved with life.
My sympathies to his family and friends.
Cathy Burbury
February 18, 2014
I met Jim at the October Clergy Retreat in 2008. We soon found we had much in common, as I grew up in Whitinsville, Ma and knew many of the landmarks he spoke of in Worcester. Jim became for me not only a trusted friend, but a mentor who gently and lovingly guided me through many rocky moments of ministry. We have been left with a hole in our community and in our lives. God bless his family and thank you for sharing Jim with pastors and churches alike.
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