The Upstate New York Synod shares the news of the death of   James N. Jerge   Jim Jerge, 74, of Fayetteville, spouse of retired pastor and former bishop, The Rev. Marie Jerge, died peacefully on February 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and strong in his faith. His passing leaves a void felt deeply by all who knew him.   Predeceased by his brother, David Jerge, and parents Earl Jerge and Shirley Bahls Jerge Keller, Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Marie, his brothers, Gene (Sue) and Richard (Nancy) Jerge; sisters-in-law, Arlene Jerge and Sharon Jerge; brother-in-law, Alan (Leigh) Scharfe; and two generations of cherished nieces and nephews whom he adored. They nicknamed him Uncle Weird and Uncle Bean which perfectly reflect the unique love and special joy he shared with them.   Born and raised in Eggertsville, NY, Jim was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Amherst High School, attended State University College at Buffalo, and earned his M.Div. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary). His life’s work as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) spanned from 1976 to 2011, serving congregations in Dunkirk, Silver Creek, and Depew, NY. Even after retirement, he continued service as an interim pastor at St. Stephen’s, Syracuse, and St. Mark, Baldwinsville. His dedication extended beyond the pulpit. He served on the Executive Committee and as Vice President of the Upper New York Synod, was a longtime member of the Synod’s Camp and Candidacy Committees, and served multiple terms on the board of the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center, even acting as Interim Director. He was a Chaplain for the Depew Fire Department and for four nursing homes in Cheektowaga and Buffalo. At the time of his death he was a Congregation Council Member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Syracuse and on the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Syracuse University. He previously served on the Council of First English Lutheran, Syracuse. Throughout his life, Jim demonstrated a tireless commitment to community service, serving on the boards of Chautauqua County Rural Ministries, the Dunkirk Public Library, Gateways Day Treatment Center and the Depew Community Residence for the Developmentally Disabled.   Jim will be remembered for his generous spirit, compassionate heart, and ever-ready willingness to lend a hand or shoulder. He possessed a quick wit, loved a good one-liner, pun, or prank, and brought laughter to those around him, even in his final days. His love for golf, Tanqueray, and turtles was only surpassed by his boundless love for his wife, their shared calling, and their adventures. May the memories of summers at camp, Silver Bay, Thanksgiving at the farm, mission trips that took them around the world, and quiet times with puzzles and crosswords offer comfort.   A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Atonement Lutheran Church 116 W. Glen Ave., Syracuse, NY 13205 Visitation will be at the church on Friday, February 14 from 4-7 pm and Saturday morning beginning at 9:30 am.   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Atonement Lutheran Church, Syracuse Lutheran Campus Ministry at Syracuse University ELCA World Hunger/Disaster Relief or any organization that feeds the hungry.     Jim, child of God, go forth in the name of God the Father Almighty who created you; in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who was poured out upon you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever in the paradise of God. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Pastoral Care, p.217).