Rev. James Offrink

OFFRINK, Rev. James Frederick - age 77, of Fenton, died May 2, 2023. A memorial service will be held 2 PM Monday, May 8, 2023 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 Lennon Rd., Flint, MI 48507 with Rev. Kate Morritauk and Rev. Annie Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 and from 1 PM - 2 PM Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac Food Ministry, 99 Wayne St, Pontiac, MI 48342 (fpcpontiac.com) or First Responders Children's Foundation (1strcf.org). James Frederick Offrink, born to Frederick “Fred” Offrink and Bonnie Juanita Offrink, truly embraced the walk of Jesus and always demonstrated a servant’s heart.  Throughout his life Jim shared compassion with others and never judged another based on race, gender, status, or education.  Jim was, in addition to being a Presbyterian Church (USA) Minister and Pastor, a volunteer Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Paramedic, Juvenile Officer, hazmat coordinator, deputy chief of the Elwood Fire Dept., Flint Police and Fire Chaplain, Stress Management Debriefing Specialist, and McLaren - Flint Staff Chaplain.  Jim was proud of being part of the DMORT FEMA Team that served following Hurricane Katrina.  Over the years, he served in a variety of areas and was especially good at providing loving care to those in difficult times.  He was a gifted funeral officiant, overseeing a plethora of funerals in his 53 years of ordained ministry.  He cared and showed God’s love continually throughout his life. Jim was raised in Linden and was the oldest of five which included Geraldine (Greg) Stubb, Mark Offrink, Susan (Loren) Kelsey and Matthew (Dawn) Offrink.  Jim played in the Linden High School marching band.  He loved riding his horse and excelled in 4-H, where he met the love of his life, Sally Faussett, at that same 4-H fair.  It was truly love at first sight.  Jim professed his love on that first meeting and looked forward to their first date, their high school proms, coming back to see his dear Sally on breaks from Warren Wilson Junior College, and finally his daily Sally sightings while at Michigan State University where he received a BA in Religion and Sociology. After college Jim finally married Sally at First Presbyterian Church of Howell and together they set off on their way to San Anselmo Theological Seminary where Jim began his Master of Divinity degree.  Every day together Jim and Sally were a forever team and each day of their 54-year marriage was a blessing from the Lord.  Fixing their car across the country, Sally teaching while Jim received his education, and their own special life-excelling moments as they shared their interests and love on many adventures throughout their ministry career in Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, and Michigan.   Jim served Plymouth Presbyterian Church, Iowa; First Presbyterian Church of Canon City, Colorado; Elwood Community Church, Illinois; Bethany Presbyterian Church of Flint, MI; Trinity United Presbyterian Church of Flint, MI; Yale Presbyterian Church, MI; and Heritage UCC Church of Davison, MI.  Jim, an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, served as a hospital chaplain throughout his ministerial career, seeking to bring peace and hope to those on their most difficult days. While traversing five states, these newlyweds raised three wonderful children together: Laura Christine (Jeremy) Kelsey, Andy James Offrink, and Benjamin Thomas (Shelby) Offrink.  Life was filled with new experiences, amazing love, and experiencing new grandchildren.   Aaron Walker Kelsey, Walker Owen Offrink, Maeve Ann Offrink, and Hazel Jean Offrink all have a special bond with their Grandpa Jim. Throughout the years, Laura, Andy and Ben, enjoyed learning many life lessons from their father.  From hunting and fishing, to woodworking and automotive skills, Jim shared his best knowledge with his children and grandchildren.  Jim would drop everything for his children and always put himself out if someone needed him.  This was experienced in every community he lived in, and his loving care was felt by all.  Rev. Jim made a huge impact in the life of others and our world thanks him for serving well.  We can hear God speaking to him now, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com