James Horsch

James Everett Horsch, 84, of Goshen, passed away peacefully August 11, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare.

He was born November 1,1939 in Foosland, Illinois, to Henry L. and Esther (Litwiller) Horsch.

James married Ruth Emerson, on July 11,1958 at the East Bend Mennonite Church in Fisher, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Ruth; son Anthony (Rhonda Ensz) Horsch of Newton, Kansas.; daughter, Janet (Janet Stout) Horsch of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.; son Jon (Maria Rodriguez) Horsch of Goshen; five grandchildren, Rachel (Jason) Andreas of Derby, Kansas; Stephan (Brandy Martinez) Horsch of Kansas City, Missouri; Alexander Romeo of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Samantha Horsch, Steven Horsch of Goshen; four great grandchildren, Paisley and Owen Andreas, Nathaniel and Leia Horsch-Martinez; and a sister LuEttta (Weldon) Friesen of Goshen.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. and Esther (Litwiller) Horsch; brothers, Richard (Jo Ann Becker) Horsch and Galen (Kay Jones) Horsch.

As a young man, James felt called to a life of service in the Mennonite Church. A graduate of Hesston College (AA, ’60), Goshen College (BA, ’62), Goshen Biblical Seminary (BD, ’66) and the University of Pittsburgh (Med, ‘74), James served as a GBS pastoral intern at North Main (Ind.), Blooming Glen, Pa., and Albany and Logsden, (Ore) churches (1962-1966). He was ordained by the South Central Conference and Pacific Coast Conference (’63-’67) and served as an assistant pastor at Hesston College Church for two years (’66 and 67). He also taught Bible as member of the Hesston College faculty.

James began his career as an editor in 1966 with the Conference Messenger, the publication of the South Central and Allegheny Mennonite Conference. In 1968, he was invited to join the editorial staff of the Mennonite Publishing House (Scottdale, Pa.) where he served for 41 years. He edited numerous books, curriculum, congregational studies, magazines, and publications for Herald Press titles. Notable publications include The Mennonite Yearbook (1971-2009), The Mennonite Bulletin Series (1975-2009) and Purpose magazine (1974-2010). During his publishing tenure James took a leave of absence to serve as Executive and Program Director at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center (1982-1984).  He served on two ecumenical entities, including member and chair of the Committee on the Uniform Series (CUS) and the Association of Statisticians of the American Religious Bodies (ASARB). He was a member and editor of the Associated Church Press and Evangelical Press Association. James also served on the board of the Scottdale Mennonite Credit Union (now Everence) for 16 years.

While at Scottdale, James held leadership positions, including Congregational Chair (seven years) at Market Street Mennonite Church and was a beloved sponsor of the Mennonite Youth Fellowship for many years. James was known for his keen memory of biblical scripture and hymns. Active in the community, he served on the Scottdale Community Action Committee, the Christian Family Movement, program chair for the Association of Churches, the Rotary, and executive committee officer for Southmoreland Civic Association.

After their children left home, James and Ruth converted their country home into PineWood Acres Bed and Breakfast where they enjoyed welcoming guests, many who became friends, from across the nation and countries for 16 years.

In 2001, James and Ruth moved to Goshen, Ind., where he continued his work at the Mennonite Publishing House/MennoMedia until his retirement in 2009, thereafter he provided freelance editorial services. A member of the College Mennonite Church, James was active in the congregation, serving in leadership roles for the Men’s Fellowship, Worship Committee, and was the recording secretary and delegate to the Indiana Michigan Conference (INMI).

Caring for livestock and tending the fields on his family farm, James learned disciplines of work and responsibility. He honed his social and leadership skills in high school heading clubs and class organizations including the Future Farmers of America, Student Council and as president of his senior class. While he was a modest student in high school, James learned the value of team work on the basketball court. Playing the center position, he brought his outstanding talent from high school to Hesston College, a two-year school, and later Goshen College. One of his fondest memories while at Hesston was the upset win over Goshen’s basketball team!

A gentleman and gentle man, James is remembered for his warmth, kindness, optimism, sense of humor, and easy-going demeanor. A quiet man, he radiated a steadfast aura of openness, compassion, strength, and calm that served him well throughout his service to the church, the community, and his family. In addition to his passion for editing, he loved nature, music, food, laughter, playing Scrabble, and was always eager to spend time with others. His welcoming heart, sense of humor and cheerful disposition were some of the reasons why James became a much loved and cherished resident while at Greencroft Health Care.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, at the College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m. The service will stream live at: https://collegemennonite.org/watch

Memorial gifts can be made to Grand Prairie Friends; https://www.grandprairiefriends.org/ or the Mennonite Central Committee; https://mcc.org/ .