Skip to main content
PrayerLink

Dr. James Grier Jr.: With the Lord

By January 14, 2013June 18th, 2014No Comments

Dr. James Murray Grier Jr., age 80, entered the Lord’s presence on Wednesday, January, 2013.

Dr. Grier, a beloved pastor and teacher, was a friend to many pastors and churches in the GARBC. For 16 years he served as executive vice president and academic dean at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary of Cornerstone University. Dr. Grier consulted pastors for more than 50 years while advising numerous hospital boards on medical ethics, was a highly sought-after conference speaker on philosophical theology and Christian worldview across the globe, and was the distinguished professor of philosophical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Formerly Dr. Grier served as pastor of Evangel Baptist Church, Taylor, Mich., and North Adams Baptist Church in Mich. He was also interim pastor in eight churches in Ohio and Indiana. He will be greatly missed. Please remember Dr. Grier’s wife, Shirley, and the family in prayer.

A memorial service will be held Monday evening, Jan. 14, 7:00 p.m., at Grace Community Church, 3500 New Holland, Hudsonville, MI 49426 (church phone: 616.669.6507). Memorial gifts may be given to the James Murray Grier Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 1001 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Cards may be sent to 1725 Port Sheldon St., Apt B108, Jenison, MI, 49428-9499.

Dr. Grier tribute by John Greening, GARBC national representative,

“Any tribute to Jim Grier cannot help but make mention of his extraordinary ability to express his thoughts in a precise and articulate manner. He was a spokesman in our circles that elevated the conversation about truth. He made us think. He prodded us to read more, study harder, and work at refining our communication.

But the lingering impression that I find myself most remembering at this time was his humble-hearted pastoral roots and his love for the church and the Head of the church. I have watched him speak to common church attendees in a small facility with gentleness and simplicity as He spoke of the Savior he loved and served. He was not endeavoring to defend truth or win an argument, but to exalt Christ. It is that love for Christ that prompted the love he had for his dear wife, Shirley.

When I first knew Dr. Grier, it was his mind that captured my attention. Later it was his heart that stirred my heart.”

Read Dr. James Grier obituary in Baptist Bulletin.