TEHACHAPI, CA (August 28, 2017) – Retired Covenant minister James “Jim” Dinsmore died Tuesday, August 15. He was 82.
Jim was born November 16, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa. He married Lily Jolene Cox on June 22, 1957.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College and an MDiv from Bethel Seminary. He ministered at several Baptist General Conference churches before transferring his ordination and serving at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Mankato, Minnesota.
In 1994, he founded PACT (People and Christ Together) Ministries, a nonprofit organization in Mankato, to help people in need. After moving to Tehachapi, he started a local chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) following the death of a local teenager. He was also a regular contributor to the Tehachapi News.
After he retired from ministry, Jim started the business Wood n’ Stuff and created natural wood pieces of art and furniture. He and Jolene enjoyed selling their wares at craft fairs throughout Southern California.
In addition to Jolene, he is survived by three sons, David, Jeff, and Randy; and a daughter, Dianne; 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 9, at the Tehachapi Congregational Church.
Memorials may be sent to PACT Ministries, ATTN: Rich Krause, 105 West Lind Street, Mankato, MN 56003.
