Obituary of Reverend James Somerville

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Reverend James Somerville, 93, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.  He was born on January 24, 1932, to James (Sr.) and Selina Somerville in Toronto.  James is preceded by his first wife of 29 years, Kathleen (Kay Thompson) Somerville, his sister Clara Ensom and brother-in-laws Carl Ensom and Terry Jardine.  Loving husband of 41 years of Linda Somerville (Foster).  Dear brother of Helen Jardine.  Beloved father of Karen (Terry), Jim, Carol, Peter (Lisa) and Jonathan (Krista-Lyn).  Cherished grandfather of Katie (Aaron), Megan, Nicole, Nigel, Evan (Megan), Corey, Amanda (Steve), Adam (Tara), Frankie, Laura, Vincent, James, Luke and Sean.  Great-grandfather of Hunter, Kai, Celine, Atticus, Natalie and Elias.

Jim was a man of God, beginning his ministry as a student pastor with the United Church of Canada in a small community of Janetville and Pontypool. Blind River was another place of ministry, before moving to Chatham where his ministry blossomed with the youth of Victoria Avenue United Church. Jim’s ministry with the youth led several young lives into the ministry. In 1972, Jim became the first President of Compassion Canada, and the family moved to London to start the Canadian office. This began in the basement of his home. In the early days of Compassion, Jim led crusades, had many speaking engagements in towns all across southern Ontario as fundraisers for Compassion. He also travelled extensively overseas to the various countries Compassion was involved. After his first wife’s death in 1982, Jim felt God calling him back to the church, and he moved his family to Ottawa to begin ministering at Westboro United Church. In 1984, he married Linda Foster, a long-time friend of the family. Jim joined the Billy Graham Association and travelled in Canada and the United States, teaching in various communities, prepping those that would be volunteering at the crusades.  In 1991, Jim and Linda moved to Kitchener and he pastored several churches, including First United Church, Living Word Congregational Church, First Baptist Church and New Dundee United Brethren Church.

In his ‘retired’ years, Jim and Linda enjoyed frequenting their favourite places like Schmidtsville Restaurant, Anna Mae’s and coffee at the Golden Arches. They made lasting friendships along the way.  Their pastoral care ministry was an important part of their lives.

Jim was a devoted prayer warrior.  He interceded faithfully every day for many people from a constantly evolving list.  Daily, he also spent time in God’s Word and had numerous passages of scripture memorized.  He lived his life sharing the message of Jesus, who is “the way, the truth and the life, that no one comes to the Father but by Jesus.” John 14:6

The family would like to extend a very sincere, heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Lakewood and Pinecrest teams at Woodingford Lodge, Woodstock for the compassionate care given to Jim.  We are so thankful for each one who impacted Jim’s life. He shared the love of Jesus to all those around him up until the time the Lord called him home.  We know that he was deeply loved and will be missed by all of his Woodingford Lodge family of three years.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Thursday October 30, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The Funeral Service will take place at Kitchener Baptist Church, 1720 Glasgow Street, Kitchener, on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev Jerry Burns officiating.  Interment to follow at New Dundee Union Cemetery.  A Reception will follow at Wilmot Centre Church,  2463 Bleams Rd. Petersburg.  

In memory of Jim, donations to Compassion Canada or Kitchener Baptist Church may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.

We find comfort and hope in Dad’s words, “I look forward to that day when by His grace I shall see Him face to face.  There is no greater legacy I can leave you than this that the Living God will dwell in your life as He has dwelt in mine and that you will experience His leading and blessing through all your days.”