Jim Pendleton

Director of Global Missions, 2017-2025

In Memory, From Senior Pastor Pace McKee

(July 25, 2025)
Beloved—

It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I write to share news that our former Global Director, Jim Pendleton, passed away yesterday evening. Jim was at home with Barbara and surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. While we grieve, we know that he is now in the presence of the God he served so faithfully. Indeed, today we give thanks that Jim’s faith has become sight.

In recent years, many of you journeyed alongside Jim through various global endeavors. You witnessed, as I did, Jim’s remarkable resilience, unwavering trust in Christ, and his quiet confidence in the promises of God. Jim led with conviction—bringing calm when futures were uncertain, clarity when decisions were complex, and care when people were hurting.

Jim’s impact on First Evan and the globe cannot be overstated. For eight years, he shaped and guided our global efforts with an uncommon generosity of spirit, renown humility, and the highest levels of discernment, grace, and care. Jim loved the Church—not just First Evan, but the church scattered abroad.

 As a family, we mourn this loss together. This morning, I write to remind you—some sow, another waters, but God gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:6). Therefore, where Jim has sown, may we be faithful to water—trusting God to give growth.

 As details and arrangements come together for a service, we will communicate them to you via our usual channels. Until then, let us continue to pray for Barbara and the extended Pendleton family, knowing that the Father of mercies and God of all comfort hears our cries (2 Cor. 1:3).

 KPM

 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones” (Ps. 116:15).

Bio

Jim was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. After graduating with two degrees in Agriculture from Kansas State University, he and his wife spent two and a half years in northern Nigeria with SIM, working with the local SIM-related church. There, in Hausa, he taught local farmers that we are all stewards of God’s resources and worked with them to improve their agricultural techniques and practices. Upon returning to the US, he spent thirty years working in agricultural real estate, particularly in making large loans on farmland. He has been the Director of Global Missions at First Evan since September of 2017 after spending a number of years on the First Evan Missions Board. Jim and Barbara have three children and eleven grandchildren.