James Webster

James ‘Jim’ David Webster, 66, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease on November 13, 2021, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on August 8, 1955, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to parents Bob and Ruth Webster. He was the younger brother of John Webster. Jim grew up with his family in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he gained a love for several things that would stay with him throughout his life: the Atlanta Braves baseball team, long distance running, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus. Jim attended college at the University of Tennessee, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education. He worked in the field for one year before his ever-growing faith called him to a career change and the ministry. Jim enrolled in Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana to become a pastor. His education included a year abroad, studying in seminary in Oberursel, Germany. While there, Jim learned German fluently, and loved to speak the language throughout his life. During his time in seminary, Jim also gained his lifelong best friend, Rob Mueller. Through studying in Fort Wayne, Germany, and throughout their adult life, Jim and Rob shared an abiding faith, as well as some silly shenanigans. They were confidantes in early ministry and belly aching laughs.

To complete his seminary, Jim served his vicarage at Grace Lutheran Church in Pocatello, Idaho. It was here that he met his wife, Audrey. They had their first date after the Good Friday service. The following day, Jim, of course went on a run to Audrey’s house to keep the talking going. From then on, the relationship was solid. Jim and Audrey were married September 26th, 1987. After their wedding, Jim and Audrey moved to St. Edward, Nebraska, where Jim took a call to serve as the pastor of the dual parrish of Faith Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran churches for four years. Following this service, Jim joined the military as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. He was commissioned in 1991 and served on the U.S.S Ponce. Shortly after he was commissioned, Jim and Audrey welcomed the joy of their life, a daughter, Jennifer, on July 11, 1991.

In the years following his Naval service, Jim served as pastor to two different Midwestern communities, with tenures at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney, Nebraska and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa. Jim then took a year away from the ministry to serve as a Special Education teacher in Pierce, Idaho. Following this, Jim returned to the ministry and served as pastor of St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Bazine, Kansas. During these times, serving far away from immediate family, Jim, Audrey, and Jennifer grew closer as a family. It was the three of them, happy, safe, having fun, and holding each other together through all that life brought upon them. These were also times when the people Jim served in his congregations also became family, and meant so very much to him. In particular, Jim always made time to visit those in his congregation who were lonely and homebound, bringing them conversation and laughs. Most importantly, he shared the hope and peace we have in our friend and Savior, Jesus, whom he loved so much.

In 2008, Jim and his family returned to Pocatello to be closer to Audrey’s family. At this time, Jim held various jobs and served as an interim pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Soda Springs, Idaho.

Jim enjoyed being active. He loved hiking, but running was his favorite for all of his life. When running became too hard on his body, he took up swimming. Jim was a voracious reader, always reading a few books at a time. He loved the library and book stores, finding new books of all genres. He especially liked getting books for his daughter, whether he read them with her or got them simply for her to enjoy. Jim had an eclectic taste in music. All kinds of music were always a must to accompany him throughout his day. In the midst of all these hobbies, Jim loved planning family vacations the most. Whether it was a week-long adventure or a day trip, Jim was intentional and giddy when it came to planning time and experiences with his family.

Jim is survived by Audrey, his wife of 34 years, his daughter Jennifer Chance and son-in-law, Logan Chance, of Bend, OR, and his brother John Webster, and family, of Roanoke, VA. Jim spent his final days at home being cared for by his wife, Audrey and brother-in-law, Scott Miller. In his last days and throughout his whole life, he was cared for and loved deeply by his family, especially his wife, Audrey, and daughter, Jennifer. More than anything, Audrey and Jennifer were everything to him. Serving his Savior, Jesus, and his family was the foundation of Jim’s life. He kept his faith front and center always, sharing the hope and unconditional love of our Savior. He approached every day with the truth and love of his faith through his words, actions, and his family. He was a devoted servant, husband, and father. This is how we remember him until we meet again.

A memorial service will be held for Jim at Grace Lutheran Church, 1350 Baldy Ave, Pocatello, Idaho on November 20, 2021 at 11:00am. To view the live streaming of the service for Jim please copy and past the following link into your URL - www.youtube.com/PocatelloGrace

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jim to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org, and to Camp Perkins Lutheran Outdoor Ministries at campperkins.org.

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