John Edmund Jameson (affectionately known as Pastor John), 86, of Duncansville, passed away peacefully in his home on February 18, 2018 and went into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on April 30, 1931 in Wabasso, Florida to Jacob Oscar Jameson and Norma Edwards Jameson, John was raised in Florida where he graduated from Miami Jackson High School.
After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1952 through 1955, he graduated from Penn State University in 1959 and obtained his Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in 1964, receiving their Practical Theology Award. He was presented with a Doctor of Divinity from Lycoming College in 1979.
John served as a pastor in various United Methodist churches across Central Pennsylvania, Patterson New Jersey and in Orlando Florida beginning in 1958. He was a founding member of Improved Dwellings for Altoona (IDA) and in 1970, on special assignment with the United Methodist Church, became its first Executive Director. In 1982 John founded New Covenant Fellowship, and pastored it until his retirement in 2004.
Marked by a deep love for God and people, John modeled personal generosity and a holistic approach to ministry. He believed God for big things. He worked to provide housing for the inner city poor, bring Meals on Wheels to Altoona and was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He led many outreach trips to provide food, clothing and other forms of poverty and disaster relief both inside and outside the United States.
John loved fishing, woodworking and was an avid reader.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally, his children Beth Kraatz and her husband Michael, Joan Bilotto and her husband Lawrence, Mark Jameson and Todd Jameson and his wife Dana. He is also survived by his grandchildren Cody Jones and his wife Megan, Cory Jones and his wife Abbey Grace, John Derek, Preston, Trey, David Kraatz and Alice Kraatz. He was preceded in death by his sisters Elizabeth Watts, Ruth Payne and Mary Cross.
John’s interment will be in the Lost Creek Presbyterian in a private ceremony, where the Juniata County Veterans Council will accord full military burial honors.
A memorial service will be held at Center City Church, 801 Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a service to follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Center City Church, 801 Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona PA 16602.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Online tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.
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