In Memoriam: Rev. James Hoogeveen

James LeRoy Hoogeveen, 61, a pastor with a disciple’s heart, zealous for sharing Christ, encourager of ministry colleagues, and gifted leader in the church, died of mesothelioma cancer on March 2 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Hoogeveen grew up in Raymond, Minn., and attended Central Minnesota Christian School in nearby Prinsburg.

From a young age, Hoogeveen felt the desire to serve his Lord in the gospel ministry. He attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich., graduating in 1976.

Hoogeveen served the following churches: Rock Rapids (Iowa) CRC, 1976; Fellowship CRC, Greely, Col., 1980; East Muskegon CRC, Muskegon, Mich., 1986; Discovery CRC, Grand Rapids, Mich., 1991; and Heartland Community CRC, Sioux Falls, S.D., 1995.

A man of deep inner peace and integrity, Hoogeveen never placed himself in the foreground. Those who worked with him soon became aware of his sincere love for Christ, whom he intimately knew as his Savior and Sender. That was the secret of his indefatigable consistency in holding up Christ in all of his ministry.

Leading people to Christ was the driving purpose of Hoogeveen’s life. Drawing from that inner reservoir, he set up a Leadership Development Network, sharing Christ’s love with people from various cultural and spiritual backgrounds; served as a mentor to several pastors; counseled alcoholics; did hospital and prison chaplaincy; was involved in civic matters; and was instrumental in establishing two new churches.

Hoogeveen felt a deep concern for the well-being of young people both in and outside of the church.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, and their children: Jeffrey and Rachelle Hoogeveen, Joni and Paul Krueger, and Kimberly and Jeremiah Lamb, as well as seven grandchildren.