Rev James Ernest Soper

Also known as "Jim"

14 July 193523 January 2025

SOPER, Rev James Ernest (Jim)

On Thursday 23 January 2025, in Palmerston North Hospital, Jim very peacefully went to be with his Lord whom he loved.

Dearly loved husband and best friend of Alison. Loved father and father-in-law of David and Kayla, Tanya and Mark and best grandfather to Ellie, Jack, Bailee and other children to whom he was a grandfather.

Family and friends are invited to a service to farewell Jim at Pathways at St Andrews, 388 Church Street, Palmerston North on Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 1 pm.

Until we meet again.

Livestream details https://thelychway.co.nz/tributes?funeral=JMcgQ

Messages can be sent to PO Box 1014, Palmerston North.

Funeral service held at Pathways at St Andrews

Tributes

To a fine gentleman and friend, we were both very happy to have seen you and Alison on our recent journey to Palmerston North. We have fond memories of you visiting our bakery in Vogel Street for a catch up and of course a pie and coffee. Your in gods hands now, you may be gone but, not forgotten. Mel and Angelique XX

Melvin and Angelique Gardiner

James Ernest Soper was one of the special people who was there for you when you needed someone the most. Jim listened to us when we needed to vent and gave us great advice. even in his last moments he made sure to crack a joke for his family making all of us laugh. Jim, Pop. we love you and we hope you're out there somewhere watching out for us

Bailee Ewen-Peters

Dear Alison and Family, thank you for sharing Jim's service with its confident affirmations and tributes to a man we remember with appreciation. We recall Jim's time as a mature student in Dunedin and your kind hospitality for a holiday in Oxford. We remember you now with the prayer that Jim's life will be continued blessing to you all. With our love, Simon and Marion Rae, Dunedin.

Simon Hugh Rae

I have many wonderful memories since I was a small child of time spent with Uncle Jim. He always had the best "dad" jokes and could make you laugh until your sides hurt. As well as that amazing sense of humor he always showed how much he cared for you and how much you meant to him. He will be so missed! Much love Amanda

Amanda Blennerhassett

Jim was a kind, gentle man who touched many hearts. His thoughtfulness and friendship was very dear to me. He helped so many in their walk with the Lord. He wrote a special song for me when I was going through a tough time that I treasure. Alison and Jim were a lovely couple and my thoughts and prayers are with Alison and the family.

Sue Matthewd

Jim was a cherished friend to us both. His wit, his humour, his sympathetic ear and wisdom all combined to make him a delight to be around. He always believed that life's difficulties had a redemptive element to them "Everything in the past" he would say " is a preparation for something in the future". Our Love Brian & Sally Shieffelbien

Brian Shieffelbien

It saddens me to hear the passing of Jim. He was such a caring loving person. Always made you laugh. Love to his family. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Jim.

Melissa Christie

Jim was a dedicated minister of the Union Church. His sense of humour and friendly nature was legendary. We send our deepest condolences to Alison, Tanya, David and families. Shawn and Cathy Bridge.

Catherine Bridge

Katharine and I were very sad to hear of the passing of Jim on 23 Jan 2025. We have particularly valued Jim’s friendship over the years. He had a great sense of humour! . Some of the early members of Men's group of the Church (meeting in each other's homes), were Harry Tan, Jim Soper, Tim Burgess and myself. He was a wonderful man, and had a deep faith in His Lord.

Bob & Katharine Stewart
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