Celebration of a Life -- Tribute to Jim Billings

Written by Gayle Grisbee as a tribute to Jim Billings January 24, 2017

James Richard Billings, known to those who knew him as Jim, was born June 10, 1946 in Clayton, Oklahoma.   He left his earthly home to be with the Lord on January 16, 2017.

Jim Billings June 10, 1949 - January 16, 2017

Jim was born to James and Viola Billings in Clayton, Oklahoma.   The family soon moved to Oregon in Jim's youth.   Jim loved growing up in Oregon and often spoke of its beauty.   As a young adult, Jim attended Bethany Bible College in Scotts Valley, California where he met the love of his life, Thelma Franklin.   The two were married on August 5th, 1967.

They soon added three children to their family, Pam, Jim Jr. and Philip.   Early in their marriage, Jim and Thelma felt the call of the Lord to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of South America.

In 1974, they moved their family to Bolivia where they served as missionaries with the Assemblies of God for 25 years.   Jim loved the people of Bolivia and throughout his life he counted it as a tremendous honor that God had called him to served the people of that country.   He touched countless lives in the years he and Thelma spent there.   The impact they made for the Lord will be seen for generations.

Jim and Thelma were reassigned to headquarters in the United States in 2000 when they joined the International team of the Christian Training Network (ISUM).   In 2003 they were named International Directors of the ministry that today encompasses 18 countries with 23 one month long Intensive Advanced Ministry Enrichment Seminars each year, involving 125 traveling professors and directors.   We have estimated that the reach of ISUM professors and pastoral leaders touches over one million believers every week.

Jim loved to hunt and fish with his dad, his brother, his son and his grandsons.   He loved to laugh and tell jokes.  He enjoyed sports and had endless patience for his many grandchildren.   He loved Thelma, loved being a dad and loved being a grandpa.  He loved others and loved Jesus most of all.

Jim and Thelma Billinga

He is survived by his wife Thelma Billings of Roseville, CA; his daughter Pam Hamburg and her husband Glenn of Roseville, CA; his son Jim Billings Jr. and his wife Genelle of Fort Mill, SC; his father James Billings of Sisters, Oregon; his siblings, Ruth Shukle, Dan Billings and his wife, Jackie; and Linda Blackwell and her husband, Sam.

He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 7 grandsons and one granddaughter.   He was loved and will be missed by many.  He is preceded in death by his son Philip, his mother Viola and his sister Naomi.

Dale's comments: Jim, your colleagues honor you and give thanks to God for a life well lived.