Rev James M Sollenberger, 68, of Chambersburg, PA, was released to the arms of Jesus by his family on Friday, January 7, 2022.
Born November 9, 1953 in Waynesboro, he was a son of the late Jacob Lesher and Ada Myers Sollenberger.
Jim was a 1971 graduate of the Chambersburg Area Senior High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Messiah College in 1975. In 1988 he earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.
Early in his life he had been employed for eight years with the US Postal Service and he then owned and operated an apiary business for 6 years.
Jim was then called to the ministry and served the Lord faithfully and humbly for more than 31 years. He loved his congregations and had served as Senior Pastor at West Shore Brethren In Christ Church in Mechanicsburg, Homerville Grace Brethren Church in Homerville, OH, Hollowell Brethren In Christ Church in Waynesboro, and he retired on September 30, 2019 from West Side Brethren In Christ Church after 18 years.
Jim served on the board of Roxbury Holiness Camp for 24 years. He enjoyed history, sports, genealogy, reading, and music. He played the guitar, wrote music, and enjoyed singing.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann Strite Sollenberger, whom he married June 2, 1979; three daughters, Kimberly J. Walter (Tyson) of Chambersburg, Krista A. Ocker (Michael) of Chambersburg, and Katie M. Grove (Alex) of Carlisle, PA; and five grandchildren, Seth, Ethan, Joelle, Connor, Elliana, and a granddaughter due in April. He is also survived by three sisters, Marie Starr of Chambersburg, Margaret Smokowicz of Danville, and Barbara Yoder (Sam) of Chambersburg; and two brothers, Stanley Sollenberger (Barbara) of Chambersburg and Nelson Sollenberger (Beverly) of St. Thomas.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother and sister.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at West Side Brethren In Christ Church, 2665 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the church with Pastor W. David Kent officiating.
Friends will be received immediately following the service at a celebration luncheon.
A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Air Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Roxbury Holiness Camp, 13763 Cumberland Highway, Orrstown, PA 17244 or to West Side Brethren In Christ Church, 2665 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. James M. Sollenberger, please visit the Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
