James Phillip Monson, 89, died July 21, 2013 in Bonita Springs, FL. He was born in Indianapolis, and married the love of his life, Doris Lee Jelf on December 12, 1945.
James graduated from Arsenal Technical H.S. in 1942; attended Indiana Central College from 1942-1943; graduated from Butler University in 1949 with a B.S. in Business Advertising, and the Southeastern Bible College in 1950. He was a WWII Army Infantry veteran, his active duty was in Normandy France and Germany; employed at Allison Manufacturing of General Motors (1950-1959); founder and pastor of Faith Assembly of God in Beech Grove, IN (1959-1997); known as "The Singing Pastor" through his radio ministry for 35 years- The Challenge of Faith Hour; and Author of "Just Reminiscing, Reflections of a Hoosier Pastor's Lifetime".
Next to loving the Lord and his dear wife Doris and family, Pastor Monson had a passion for sports--baseball, basketball, and golf. One of the highlights of his sports life was playing on the Butler University baseball team of 1947, coached by the legendary Tony Hinkle. James continued to play golf until age 88--often out hitting those many years his junior.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris L. Monson; son James W. (Peggy) Monson; daughter Joy L. (Bill) Russell; grandsons Craig (Kristina) Monson and Mark (Wanda Somlee) Monson; and great grandchildren Emily, Andrew, Kaijah, James Anakin, Moira, and John.
James was preceded in death by his grandson Bradley Monson.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 25th from 4:00-8:00 at Little & Sons Funeral Home 4901 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46237. Funeral Services will held Friday, July 26th at 10:00 AM at Indian Creek Christian Church 6430 S. Franklin Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46259. Burial at Washington Park East. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Legacy Fund, 515 E. Main St., #100, Carmel, IN 46032.
"the steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord." (Psalms 37:23)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Jacqueline S Parmer Cortez.
August 19, 2014
Jacqueline Parmer-Cortez
My Pastor, my father in law, my Children's grandfather. I was 8 or 9 when our family found FAITH ASSEMBLY in Beech Grove and made it our home church. The Singing Pastor loved all of us and we knew it by the way God's love was demonstrated through him.
August 1, 2013
Jackie Eanes
Pastor Monson is a big part of why I am a Christian today. He planted the first seeds that have filled my life with the love of Christ. Thank you Pastor! You will be missed.
July 29, 2013
Jerry Cummins
Bro.Monson I will never forget you, your smiling face that you could see the Love of God in and you showed ever one that LOVE.
LOVE to all the family GOD is with you.
LOVE
Jerry Cummins & Family
July 27, 2013
Deana Walters
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I know the angels are singing their best as they have received a vey special messenger of the Lord in Grandpa Monson along with his beautiful voice. God Bless. Mike and Deana Walters and Stacy and Trent Vitz and children.
July 26, 2013
Randy Sparks
I will forever remember the end of Sunday morning worship at Faith Assembly always receiving a hug and word of encouragement from Pastor Monson as I left church. What a wonderful man and loving Pastor to me, my family and so many others! He will always have a special place in our hearts.
July 25, 2013
Beverly Woodford
Doris and Family, Jim was a precious gentleman. His face lit up a room with the Love of God. We enjoyed being at Faith with you dear folk. Now the hubbies are going Up before us. Soon we can join them. Love you!
July 25, 2013
Julie Monson
Jim Monson was a loving, kind, wise and beautiful gift from God! May his spirit continue to sing ad those twinkling eyes send rays of sunshine to all who loved him. With my deepest sympathy to Doris and his family. Julie Monson
July 25, 2013
Emily Monson
Love and miss you, great grandpa, give uncle brad hugs from us
Emily and Andrew
July 25, 2013
Chelf Family
Pastor meant so much to my parents. My father is also buried at Washington Park East. I know they are having a wonderful time in the presence of the Lord.
July 25, 2013
Mary Chelf and Kat Imhausen
Pastor Monson meant so much to my parents. He was still ministering just a few days before his death. His facebook posts were wonderful.
July 24, 2013
tony pickett
A great man with a beautiful soul,
Love You Brother Monson.
July 24, 2013
Jerry Meyers
Pastor Monson will be missed. I'm glad that I will see him in the air soon!
July 24, 2013
Susan White
Pastor Monson what can I say for he really was a awesome pastor. He truly loved unconditionally and demonstrated God's love for us being Christ's hand extended. I will miss you greatly but will see you again at the throne. I am praying God comforts you all and holds you close.
July 24, 2013
Susan White
What a life Pastor Monson lived! He truly loved unconditionally and demonstrated God's love for us being Christ's hand extended. I will miss you Pastor greatly but will see you again at the throne. I am praying God comforts you all and holds you close.
July 24, 2013
Judy Jarvis
May Gods peace rest upon the Monson family.We have lost a wonderful friend and mentor.He taught us so much about living our life the way God intended, and he set the example in his own life,loving people in a way that surpasses everything he had ever done.Serving the Lord was the greatest passion in his life,and I know he is now reaping all the benefits in Heaven right now.We love you Pastor.Until we meet again in Heaven!
July 24, 2013
Raymond McCullough
Thanks Pastor Jim, for showing the way of the Lord. You not only lead me to Christ, You also performed Darlene and mine wedding. We will see you again in His presences. I thank the Lord, for sharing you with our family.
July 24, 2013
Mary Ann (Johnes) Senft
What can you say about a person who appeared bigger than life? A smile that brought joy to so many? A man who was there for me in my darkest hour? CHERISHED! I thank God for this great man; for his enthusiasm for life and love of music. The celebration in heaven Sunday must have been deafening. What a gift he was to all of us fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed.
July 24, 2013
Faith pedersen
My prayers are with the monson family. May god comfort you at this time. Love i christ faith pedersen Johnes
July 24, 2013
Bob Silvers
Pastor Monson was my first pastor after I moved from Dayton,OH to Indy in 1965. Having become a Christian as recent as 1958, in a small Assemblies of God church in Xenia, OH, I was glad to find Faith Assembly in Beech Grove and its friendly pastor early in my Indy life. Pastor Monson took me under his wings and encouraged me to serve as a song leader. He opened other doors for ministry for me as well during those early years. I will always be thankful to the Lord for leading me to a pastor who was dedicated to his ministry and to helping others find their place of service.
July 24, 2013
Jennifer Johnes Brehob
The world has lost a wonderful, caring person, but heaven has gained a great man! Rest in peace, pastor, you earned it! Love always!
July 24, 2013
Faith pedersen
Brother monson i will miss you so much.words canot express how much you meant to me. I will never forget your smiling.face I went to faith assemly since i was a babyuntilll i got married you married my husband and me..you have always been there for me and my family im so grateful. When my mom died you were there to comfort us..i will never. Forget the good memories.at Faith assembly. You will be missed teribbly. Love u always. Faith Johnes....... pedersen
July 24, 2013
Nick Kellen
Doris,
Brian and Emily told me last night Jim passed away. We have been neighbors for years and I remember our initial introduction talking about your dog. From that time we have shared many things. But the one thing we have shared is our love for Jesus Christ. May your love of Christ sustain you and your family through this difficult time.
Blessings,
Nick
July 24, 2013
Lela Darnell
Sitting in community prayer service at CCM last evening, "the best little church in Estero" as Pastor Monson always said, I was so overcome with a flood of wonderful memories of him. Pastor certainly blessed my life abaundantly and I'm so thankful that he was in my life over these past years. I will miss him so much. I know he received from Jesus "well done good & faithful servant". I'm praying for God's beautiful sweet peace to bring the family much comfort.
July 24, 2013
Becky (Poole) Burgess-Osher
I am so sorry for your loss. I am out of town, Jim, or I would be there. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Dad is also out of town. He sure enjoyed golfing with your father.
July 23, 2013
faith pedersrn Johnes
I love you. Your at peace now..i will miss u terribly love in christ
July 23, 2013
Faith pedersen
Brother monson i will miss you so much.words canot express how much you meant to me. I will never forget your smiling.face I went to faith assemly since i was a babyuntilll i got married you married my husband and me..you have always been there for me and my family im so grateful. When my mom died you were there to comfort us..i will never. Forget the good memories.at Faith assembly. You will be missed teribbly. Love u alwayslove in christ. Faith Johnes....... pedersen. Rest in peace
July 23, 2013
Brenda Bryant-Oldham
May your days be filled with memories of Pastor and filled with love. He was an amazing man of God, one of the Godliest men I have ever known. I will miss his facebook posts so much as I looked so forward to each and every one. They were always so joyful and uplifting, never a complaint. I loved him and I love you, his family, who have always been a big part of my life. Heaven has gained one of the best ever.
July 23, 2013
Mark & Kimberly Pohlkotte
July 23, 2013
Jacqueline S. Parmer Cortez
"Oh I never shall forget the day, that Jesus washed my sins away.....at age 10 under the ministry of Pastor James P. Monson, I prayed the sinner's prayer at the alter of the small sanctuary at Faith Assembly Church (186 Royal Rd., Beech Grove, IN). I was raised up under his ministry. He was my Father in more ways than my own. He will remain forever in my heart with much love and sincere appreciation.
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