James H. Christian

James H. Christian, 78, aka “Coach”, “PJ”, “Pastor Jim”, and “Hermano Jaime,” graduated to Heaven on April 28, 2025 at Trillium Place in Lancaster, PA. Born in Wilmington, DE to Harold and Margaret Christian, he was the loving and faithful husband of Gail A. Christian (née Lincoln) for 55 years and 11 months. As a teenager, he trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and committed his life to serve Him.

A 1964 graduate of Henry C. Conrad High School, Jim attended Northeastern Bible College in Essex Fells, NJ. In 1973, he coached the soccer team to win the 1st official NCCAA D-I Soccer Championship.

Jim’s first pastorate was at First Baptist Church of Milburn, NJ. In 1974, Jim was called as associate pastor to Faith Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE. In 1982, Jim and Gail with their three daughters were sent as missionaries to Chile where they served under ABWE for sixteen years. Jim wore many “hats” in Chile including pastor, school administrator, field team treasurer, seminary director, beloved teacher and friend. In 1998, Jim returned to Faith as co-pastor until his retirement due to Parkinson’s in 2015. Pastor Jim is remembered for his genuine love and concern for others and personal interest in everyone he met.

Jim is survived by his wife Gail Christian, Lancaster, PA; daughters Terri (David) Fisher, Jennifer (Mark) Rubin, and Stephanie (Pedro) Garcia, whom all serve in Chile; and sister Joann Peters, Elkton, MD with her family. Also, by sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who lovingly call him “Pop-Pop.”

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Jim’s life at Faith Baptist Church, 4210 Limestone Rd, Wilmington DE on Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 AM and are asked to bring a written memory of Jim for a family keepsake. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private for family on May 3 at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery in Lancaster, PA.

The family would like to thank the staff of Calvary Fellowship Homes for their care. In lieu of flowers, it was Jim’s wish to direct contributions in his memory to Calvary’s benevolent fund. Checks should be made out to Calvary Fellowship Homes and sent c/o Ryan Murray, 502 Elizabeth Dr, Lancaster PA. Please include a note designating “in memory of Jim Christian.”