The Rev. Dr. Jimmie Lynn Gentle, a beloved leader in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida and a resident of Winter Park, Florida, passed away on October 20, 2023. He was a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to service, ministry, and making a difference in the lives of many. Born in Prosper, Texas, on March 24, 1936, Jim’s journey through life was one of inspiration and profound impact.
A proud alumnus of Phillips University, Jim’s collegiate years were filled with commitment and leadership. He served as the president of the Camelot Club and was a dedicated member of the Student Council. It was at Phillips where Jim crossed paths with the love of his life, Connie Roberts. Their meeting at Phillips University would mark the beginning of a lifelong partnership of 64 years with the raising of three sons, Stephen, Donald, and David. Jim went on to earn Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Phillips University and Phillips Theological Seminary.
Jim was ordained to Christian ministry on January 18, 1959. He embarked on a journey of faith, ministering to congregations in Oklahoma and Arizona. For 22 years, he served as the Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida, leaving an indelible mark on the faith, community, and denominational and ecumenical ministries. He co-founded the Woods County Counseling Center, a united campus ministry, a Woods County Senior Citizen Center, the Urban Ministries of Phoenix, Florida Impact, Citrus Gardens Senior Housing, and the Ecumenical Center of Florida.
His tireless commitment to these initiatives touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a lasting impact.
A recipient of numerous honors and awards, some of Jim’s notable accolades include the “Somos Unos Award,” the Ecumenical Leadership Citation, Iglesia Cristiana (Discipulos de Cristo) in Puerto Rico Citation, and the Snidow Lectureship at Lynchburg University. Denominationally, he served on numerous ministries and boards, including the Division of Higher Education and spent over a decade as a trustee and overseer of Lynchburg University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to faith, family, community service, and education. His legacy will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his loving family, friends, and the many individuals whose lives he touched through his extraordinary journey of faith and service.
He is survived by his wife Connie, his children Stephen (Miriam), Donald (Amelia), and David (Misty), and grandchildren Wesley (Amber), Ana-Elisa, Phillip, Alexander, Sophia, Justin, Garrett, and Tabitha, and brother Milton Wayne (Allison) Gentle, and sister Myra (Tom) McFadyen and family, as well as many extended family members and friends.