Rev. James Egbert - Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home

Rev. James T. “Jim” Egbert – age 88,

Formerly of Cincinnati, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 11:13 A.M. at The Lima Memorial Health System in Lima. He was born on June 22, 1931 on the family farm near Kettlersville in Shelby County, the youngest child of the late Theodore H. and Margaret J. (Ziegenbusch) Egbert. Survivors include his sisters: Laverta Dackin of Lima, Marian Price of Sidney, and Lois Nagel of Anna, and a number of nieces and nephews whom he adored. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings: Grace Inderrieden, Hattie Anthony, Leroy Egbert, and Harold Egbert, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jim was a 1949 graduate of Anna High School. After high school, he went on to further his education, graduating from Heidelberg College in Tiffin. He then went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a Russian interpreter during the Korean War where he earned the rank of Lieutenant. After his service time, he was called into ministry, and attended Eden Seminary before his formal ordination into the United Church of Christ in 1962. He was first a minister at St. Paul U.C.C. in New Bremen, and then at Camp Washington U.C.C. in Cincinnati. Over his years in the ministry, Jim was always known as a nonconformist, and someone who was a big advocate for those who were marginalized by society. As a person, Jim believed in breaking down barriers and building people up – and he did this in every aspect of his life. Outside of his ministry, Jim was an entertainer. He enjoyed cooking and catering events for many years. He loved to spend time with his family and friends playing cards. He was a master joke teller, and always had a story or two to share. Jim was very artistic, and he enjoyed playing the piano and writing plays that students would perform at the Ohio State Fair. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Germany, where he would go several times each year. Jim even started a soup kitchen in Germany to help those the less fortunate. His love for the German culture led to his work at the Hofbrauhaus in Newport, KY where he was hired as the first employee on the payroll, and worked there for 15 years. During this time Jim greatly enjoyed sharing and speaking his German heritage with all of the patrons and visitors to the area. Above all else, Jim will be remembered as a very humble man who spent his entire life devoted in the service to others.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. at the Immanuel Church in Kettlersville with Pastor Dee Schroer officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery near New Bremen. The family will receive friends prior to the services on Sunday, at the church from 1:00 until 4:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim can be directed to the St. Paul U.C.C. Memorial Fund, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences(12)

Kim Jones Babbitt says
July 11, 2019 at 8:26 pm

Thank you, Jim for allowing me to be a member of the Ohio State Fair Youth Ministry. The experience changed my life, and gave me an understanding of the importance of service to my community and to people in need that has lasted a lifetime. I have passed the ideals you instilled to my children, so the flame you ignited will continue to light the world.
Madalyn Appleby says
July 11, 2019 at 8:54 pm

May you Rest In Peace, thank you for all the times you were there to help out wetter it be a kind words , or helping out for the kids . You will always have a place in the heart of many.
Alice Hartwig says
July 12, 2019 at 7:48 am

Jim was a special person! He did so much for our community and our church, always with a smile on his face. My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Janice Foster Miiller says
July 12, 2019 at 5:07 pm

I too was one of the Ohio State Fair Youth Ministry kids, and what a special impact Rev. Jim had on my life! I am grateful for his ministry and reaching out to youth at the time. My deep condolences to all his family and close friends.
Karin Albrecht says
July 12, 2019 at 7:27 pm

Jim was very appreciated in the German Community! May he rest in Peace!
The German American Citizen League would like to express our condolences to all his family and close friends!
Thank you Jim for everything you did!
Earl Hiell says
July 13, 2019 at 7:16 am

Rev. Jim was one of the kindest people to know. He was a great person to chat with at HB and always encouraged us in trying new dishes there. He shared many stories of his life and you couldn’t help but get caught up in that story. We miss his sunny, cheerful face and know he is in a place he well believed in and conveyed to others. We’ll miss him and will toast to him when next at HB. God bless. Our condolences to Jim’s friends and family. Signed Earl Hiell, original SM11 now 31.
- REPLY
  Jerry and Cindy Newman says
  July 13, 2019 at 3:39 pm
  
  What a wonderful man. I didn’t know him when he first worked at St. Paul, but working with him for meals at St. Paul and in Camp Washington i was able to see his tireless efforts to improve everyone around to make them help others. He was Santa Claus in a small package. He always had that twinkle in his. We will miss you Jim.
Rev. Martin Westermeyer says
July 13, 2019 at 9:56 am

I knew Jim before my ordination while he was an associate at Pilgrim UCC and Pastor at Washington UCC. After I became a Pastor in Cincinnati area, Jim was a colleague and friend. He was always welcoming and had a joke to share. After he was at Hofbrau House, I would stop to see him just to get some of his home made soup. He will be missed, but always remembered. God speed my friend!
Nada Huron says
July 13, 2019 at 11:00 am

RIP, dear Jim.
We will miss you at the first Hofbrau Haus in USA. 🙂
A fellow “Evangelical & Reformed German Church” goer (since 1948). 🙂
Paul Workman says
July 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm

Jim, You will be missed by so many. Well Done!!!! Good and faithful servant!!!!!
Elaine Varland says
July 13, 2019 at 9:40 pm

Jim died on my 94th birthday, and my chain of memories goes back to the years when Jim first began working at Houfbrauhaus because I didn’t see him after that. We were colleagues in the Camp Washington community in Cincinnati during the 60’s-70’s when I was one of the community health nurses and he served both the community and his church with love and compassion. He had a joyful spirit that was contagious. My husband and I were privileged to see and enjoy one of the performances at the Ohio State Fair performed by the students in his ministry. His group catered at our home a few times, too, and I love to tell the story of the time we had to leave before the cleanup was finished. Jim left a note apologizing for letting the cat out—It was a mystery to us how a cat came to be in our house
David Long-Higgins says
July 16, 2019 at 1:55 pm

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the entire Ohio Conference, United Church of Christ, I write to express my condolences upon the death of your beloved Jim. I knew of Jim by reputation and by the experience of so many peers who worked with him at the Ohio State Fair Youth Ministry. His work at Camp Washington UCC is legendary. Please know that I and so many others hold you in our prayers in these days.

With love and appreciation,
Rev. Dave Long-Higgins
Transitional Conference Minister
Ohio Conference, United Church of Christ

Rev. James Egbert June 22, 1931 - July 10, 2019

Condolences(12)

Kim Jones Babbitt says

Madalyn Appleby says

Alice Hartwig says

Janice Foster Miiller says

Karin Albrecht says

Earl Hiell says

Jerry and Cindy Newman says

Rev. Martin Westermeyer says

Nada Huron says

Paul Workman says

Elaine Varland says

David Long-Higgins says

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