Note: This appreciation was originally published in 2012, volume 2, issue 2 of OneVoice Magazine.
Those who knew Jim Herrold knew him as a man of integrity who deeply loved and served the Lord, his family, others, and the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, especially Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Jim came to faith in Christ as a teen and attended Calvary BFC, Shamokin, PA. After graduation from Susquehanna University, he and his wife, Violet Johnson Herrold, sister of the late Pastor Robert Johnson, moved to Millersville where he taught math at Penn Manor High School. For three years, they both provided key leadership in the struggling BFC mission in Millersville. Jim then took a job at Spring-Ford High School, and served for many years in leadership in the Royersford BFC as well as on the board of Victory Valley Camp.
In 1969, the Herrolds fell in love with the ministry of Pinebrook and for about 15 summers they served there as game and social directors. Many people still remember the exciting adult socials they led there each week. When full-time positions opened in 1994, Jim retired from teaching and began to work in the Pinebrook office while Violet served as dining hall hostess. During those years, they attended Berean BFC, Stroudsburg, PA.
After several years at Pinebrook, they moved and began attending New Life BFC, Oley, PA, where they were active in numerous ministries. Following Violet’s death in 2004, Jim married Doris Maeder. When Pinebrook needed a part-time person to promote its retreat ministry, Jim readily accepted and served in that capacity until just before his death. Jim had a real heart for Pinebrook and the work benefitted greatly from his many years of dedicated service.
Jim’s final hours on earth were an example of the life he lived. He had a lengthy phone conversation with his daughter Karen, participated in a hymn sing in the Oley BFC where he requested “All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus”, and then came home to call and encourage a friend. Moments later, the Lord unexpectedly called him home to his eternal reward.
Jim and I were like brothers. We met in 1959 at university, became roommates and close friends there. We were in each other’s weddings and for three years we taught math in adjoining rooms. Since we have now worked at Pinebrook for over 40 years, our families spent much time together there. We shared with each other, encouraged each other, and we prayed for each other for many years. I already miss him. He was a great example to me of a man of integrity, a mature believer.
Barry Kauffman
