MUSKEGON, MI — James E. Witcher was an active member of the religious community in Muskegon and across the state, described by granddaughter Shontaye Witcher as “a caring person” who “loved his church.”
Pastor Witcher died on Dec. 10, 2013, a couple weeks after his 79th birthday.
He served as Pastor of the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church for 46 years, before he was forced to retire because of an illness. Pastor Witcher was President of the General Baptist State Convention of Michigan for 13 years.
“(He was) a dynamic singer,” said Vernon Nash, son-in-law of Pastor Witcher. “He was a humble man and a humble servant.”
Witcher served on the Muskegon Heights Housing Commission for underprivileged housing, always making sure housing was available for everyone. He also was President of the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship of Muskegon County.
”He was the type of person who would give you the clothes off his back if you needed it,” Shontaye Witcher said. “(He) believed (to) do things in decent, and in order everything always comes together.”
Funeral services for James E. Witcher will take place at noon on Friday, Dec. 20 at Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church at 2220 Superior St. in Muskegon.
The wake services for Pastor Witcher will take place on Thursday, Dec. 19 at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2117 Baker St. in Muskegon. Public viewing will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to the wake services, a community service will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Filed under: Homegoing of a Saint
