James Alan Monck

From as far back as I can remember Dad was my person. We shared a love for people, music, and ministry. Early on I loved being a pastor’s kid and being involved in all the aspects of church life, except the times we had to move and leave family and friends.

Dad had a great sense of humor, and I loved having him around my friends at school and church events. He was the life of the party at church camps and was well known around my high school campus.

I have great memories of singing together in church, the conversations we would have about what we were reading and studying, Sunday night afterglows with a house full of people playing games and eating popcorn... During my years in youth ministry Dad was my go-to for advice about the church and how to deal with difficult situations.

I remember the little silly things like him honking the horn as he drove away from dropping me off in front of the high school. Everyone knew it was my dad. He had such a great smile and a fun sense of humor that brought joy to the room.

One year he sent me cards every day for like two weeks before my birthday. (Later he told me he wrote them in pencil so I could re-use them.) He raised me to believe I could be anything I wanted to be and was my biggest cheerleader.

My very favorite memory of my dad and I was my senior prom. I was dating someone who lived a few hours away and he couldn’t get to Chico to take me to prom. So, Dad dressed up in a three-piece suit and took me to the nicest steak restaurant in town. I don’t know any other girl that has that experience of a date with their dad on prom night. He made sure it was a special night for me.

One of the sweetest things about my dad was no matter how many times we had to say good-bye in my adult years they were always emotional, and he always did it with tears in his eyes. He was very special to me. That is why it was hard in the last years when he just couldn’t be the person he had been, and we couldn’t connect the way we always had. His brain started to fail him, and it took a while for us to really know how it impacted him.

One of the hardest times in our relationship was when we moved to Chico in my ninth-grade year of junior high. We had been in Wisconsin in one city for six years- the longest stretch in one place my whole life due to ministry and church moves. I had great friends at school and church, my first boyfriend- life was good. We were in Haiti with our church on a mission trip and Dad told me when we got back to the states we were moving to California. I thought he was ruining my life, and I found ways to let him know often!

Recently on one of my drives to see Dad in his last days, I was driving in to town and saw the Chico sign. I remembered how hard that move was and what a rough transition that was for me, but I know now it brought with it some of the best experiences and opportunities in my life. It took some time, but the last few years of high school were full of great opportunities and friendships. I got to spend four amazing, life-changing years at Point Loma Nazarene University. Most importantly, I later met my husband and was blessed with the gift of being a mom to two amazing kids. None of that would have happened if we hadn’t come to California.

Change is hard and I got very attached to people everywhere we moved, but I am so thankful for all the places the journey took us and the part each one played in my life. Dad’s heart for people and ministry lives in me as I work with students and serve those around me.

Thank you Dad for the life you blessed me with and all that I am because of you!

My first memories of Jim were at Olivet where we had some classes together and student ministerial association meetings. In our first pastorate Jim preached for a revival where the district teen group went door to door and passed out literature inviting people to the meeting and witnessing through our community. At the close of the meeting Jim told me Detroit First didn't need his tithe and he wanted to send it to our church which was a mission church at the time. He faithfully sent his tithe to our church for a full year! What a blessing to our Fenton, MO congregation. The next contact I remember is when Jim was pastoring at Racine Taylor Ave. Half of the people wanted to start a new church and half wanted to stay put. Jim and I had a conversation about it and he was very disturbed about it. He told me they were going to split whether he was there or not so he decided to go with the new church group to see them through this time and he did. His leadership brought both churches through a difficult time, Jim has always had my admiration and I look forward to see him in that day. To our Lord Jesus be all the glory! What a joy to be honored to serve Him here. What a day it will be when we will worship Him there!

When we were in college at Olivet, the four of us double-dated to Chicago one weekend; aging memories can't recall to event! On the way back to campus, Jim took a wrong turn and we ended up somewhere in Indiana before we could find an exit. Both Sharon and Jan received late minutes.

20 years ago you and Dad came into our lives. Since then there have been special memories and a few tragic times. But you both have always been there for me and my family in loving support. Being so far from our families, you took us in and filled us with love, hop and laughter. You will always be treasured in our hearts. May the Lord Jesus continue to hold you close. Your loving son, Jason

The lunch we had at the Cheesecake Factory totally changed our lives! We are so blessed for being adopted into your family. Papa Monck always made us laugh and happy. Thank you so much for always being there for us. For this difficult time, I pray that God gives you comfort, strength and peace. We love you. Love, Chieko

Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. He was such a special part of our lies and we feel incredibly blessed to have known him, not only as our adopted grandfather, but as a pastor who married us. His faith, love, and kindness will always be remembered. We love you all! Love, Michael

In this time of mourning, I can't help but reflect on all the amazing memories we've had with you and Papa Monck. From going to Stacks for lunch, to having Papa Monck graciously be our wedding officiant, and then introducing Mika. He has been such a huge part of our lives, and we are forever grateful of these memories that we can cherish for the rest of our lives. We love you so much! Love, Tiffani

In a note sent to me:
Dearest Sharon, It has been in my heart to write to you upon hearing of Jim's passing. I am Kathleen Smith, sister of Joyce Lee & Dave, sister-in-law to Rev. Robert Sith & Gayle.
When I was 16, Jim came to our church in North Star, Michigan for a weekend youth meeting. Of course my mom had him stay at our house! What's what she did!
On Saturday, I wanted to go to the big city, Ithaca, to buy new white tennis shoes - all the rage then. Jim said to my mom "let me take her!"
She let him and we went and got the new shoes. Details elude me, but he was a nut and fun, I remember.
Most of all I wanted to share with you that on Sunday night he preached on commitment, and at the end we sang that great song "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back - I won't turn back!
I made a lifetime commitment that night. I have never turned back.
I do give Jim a lot of credit for that decision, even though I never saw him much or spoke to him again.
A chapter in the life of Kathy Palmer Smith that is unforgettable!
I married Dave Smith in 1964, Bob's brother, we had a wonderful life of 60 years. January 29, 2025, he met Jesus face to face! Stupid cancer! Stupid! I hate it!
My heart grieves with you missing Jim. I understand...and miss Dave terribly.
All my hope is in Jesus. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you....

Many of our classmates from Olivet Nazarene University emailed us back that they would be praying for you. We will be praying for God's comfort for you and your family in the days ahead.

Sharon..I’m sorry I’m late with my memories of Jim but I want to add this: Jim & I shared 4 great yrs together. We met in 9th gd & started the Bible Club at Creston High School. Grand Rapids. MI We also went to many churches with him leading singing & preaching. I played my flute & we sang duets. We also contributed a lot to Youth for Christ rallies each Sat night. We enjoyed it very much. At the end of 12 th grade we were chosen King & Queen of YFC. Later we went our separate ways to college. He became a Nazarene minister & I married a RCA minister. We continued to serve the Lord full time.
We had fun keeping touch through letters & texting.
My heart grieves with you Sharon & family as Jim has now gone to his Lord & Savior. May God be close & bless you all!! With love & prayers, Lynnore “Nore” “Van Dyke” Robrahn. ❌⭕️

I am so sorry that you have lost the love of your life. I had a chance to talk to him just a couple of days before he passed away.
I remember calling y
Jim and you to see how you were doing. One time I called and found that Jim was sick. I asked him if I could call him and he was agreeable.
I first met Jim while he was in a revival at Pickford, Michigan First Church of the Nazarene in 1963. We had some good conversation when I found out that he was a student at Olivet.
It was later that year that I was discharged from the Air Force and applied and was accepted at Olivet. When I got there Jim was the only person that I had met. My getting to know both of you was a blessing.I had the pleasure of going with the two of you to revival meetings he was having. One of them was to the Sault Ste Marie, Michigan First Church of the Nazarene that I attended while in the Air Force.
Whenever Jim had a revival anywhere near West Virginia my wife and I would attend the services. The last revival that I saw him was at the Elk River Church of the Nazarene outside of Charleston, WV.
I talked our pastor at Hunting, WV First Church to schedule him for a revival. My wife and I were looking forward to his coming as we had plan that he stay at our house. I was sadden when the pastor announced that he had accepted a church to pastor.
I am glad you agreed to my keeping in touch with you. I enjoy our calls.
I have been going through what you are now going through going on 4 years.
May the Lord bless and keep watch over you.
Tom Lambert

When I met Jim and Sharon in Chico in the 80's I was in student ministry on campus at CSU Chico and they quickly adopted me and countless generations of students over the 12 years I was there in the area. There were many Sunday dinners (real dinners that kept the students coming and filled), And Jim was a favorite teacher at our campus Intervarsity meetings and events. Jim, Sharon, and part of the family came to our International Student Christmas House Party weeks and had profound influences on these visiting students. I found open home and heart always - the many hours I spent at their house over the years as well as a generous helping of fun and silliness - memorable indeed! I loved Jim's teaching from the pulpit and consider him inspiring and formative in my own ministry career. I could tell many stories and still smile at some of the antics we enjoyed but the most important memory and story is that of he and Sharon's faith and true gift of hospitality and generous kindness to me. I am honored to have been considered a friend.

My prayers have been with you--through the move and these difficult days of transition. And now even more as you recall struggles of the years and the last months. I am so blessed to have been able to visit, see your new hoe, and be with Jim on what was indeed a good day for him.

There will be a lot to adjust to and I am pleased to know you'll be supported there in Chico and will pray as you build community there and find peace in these coming weeks and months. Blessings and my love to you and the family.

Sam and I loved and admired Jim ever since we met him. He was godly, generous, kind, and very funny. You both were so kind to us, especially when we took over the Red Bluff church after he resigned. I’m sure you know that I lost Sam last March, so I believe I can truly empathize with you, Sharon. May the Father wrap his arms around you as you reminisce about the great life you had together.

Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. He was such a special part of our lives, and we feel incredibly blessed to have known him, not only as our adopted grandfather, but as a pastor who married us. His faith, love and kindness will always be remembered. We love you all!

In this time of mourning, I can't help but reflect on all the amazing memories we've had with you and Papa Monck. From going to Stacks for lunch, to having Papa Monck graciously be our wedding officiant, and then introducing Mika, He has been such a huge part of our lives. We are forever grateful of these memories that we can cherish for the rest of our lives. We love you so much.

The lunch we had at the Cheesecake Factory totally changed our lives! We are so blessed for being adopted into your family. Papa Monck always made us laugh and happy. Thank you so much for always being there for us. For this difficult time, I pray that God gives comfort, strength and peace. We love you.

20 years ago you and Dad came into our lives. Since then there have been special memories and a few tragic times. But you both have always been there for me and my family with loving support. Being so far from our families, you took us in and filled us with love, hope and laughter. With home cooked food to warm our hearts and tummies. You will always be treasured in our hearts. May the Lord Jesus continue to hold you close. Your loving son, Jason

It has been many years that we have not seen you or had a chance to be together. We have so many good memories of the tines we shared,

We have been able to follow you on Facebook. What a joy that has been, to see all the changes in our families - praying earnestly for Tami as she was facing serious health issues, so thankful she had a good outcome!

My how time marches on, Blessings to you and all you family. We are so sorry for your loss--our prayers and thoughts are with you.

With our love, Melvin & Jean

Our dear Sharon, we are saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Our hearts break for you and your family. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in your grief. Sending hugs, love and condolences to all of you! God bless!

My thoughts and prayers are for you during this time of deep sorrow. You and your family are very dear to my heart. Love to you Sharon.

My heart aches for you as you grieve the loss of Jim Please know you are not alone--so many are holding you close in prayer. I pray that God's love brings you comfort, and that the promise of eternal life gives you peace during this season of sorrow. With love and sympathy.

We are deeply saddened to hear that Dad Jim has gone ahead of us. We are sorry we couldn't visit both of you earlier. We remember Dad's jokes, great laughter, smiles and love in our hearts. May you feel more of Jesus' presence and comfort for you during this difficult time. With love and big hugs.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We enjoyed the times when you came back to PA and shared with us here. Our prayers of comfort are with you. He was an awesome man and lots of fun, just like you.

We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Jim. Paul has fond memories of singing in a quartet with him at Olivet. May you be blessed with God's beautiful Presence and Peace at this time. You are in our prayers. Lovingly, Paul & Pat

Our hearts hurt for you as you go through this loss. Although distance separates us, our hearts remain one! Love, Bill & Teri

So many wonderful memories when you all were in McPherson. Pastor Jim was my favorite Pastor and I will forever be thankful for how you both influenced me (a 7th grader) and blessed me. Love and prayers.

I have recently learned of the death of your precious husband, James. On behalf of the Board of General Superintendents, I extend our deep sense of loss and want to assure you of our concern and prayers.

Even though these are days of sorrow, we share with you the hope and joy that, for those who die in Christ, death does not get the final word. Rather, the gift of Christ's resurrection, and the joy of heaven and the new creation, now belong to James.

James gave more than 37 years of faithful service to the Lord and to the Church of the Nazarene, as a caring pastor and an inspiring evangelist. His commitment to you, and to Christ and the church, modeled the steadfast love of God. We are filled with gratitude for his service and we know that the reward is great for those who have invested their lives where "moth and rust cannot destroy" (Matt. 6:20). James made an impact on many, not just for now, but for eternity.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will be your comforter and grant you and your family strength and peace in the days ahead.

Blessings in Christ,
T. Scott Daniels

I will remember his smile and laughter and all of his corny messages of your "dates." - going to McDonalds, etc. I will forever remember his sermons and things he added to them that made you learn about God. I will remember the chance he gave me to be the Church Secretary. He is and was a good Christian man. I am so sorry to hear about Rev. Jim's passing. You and your family are in my prayers.

I was the infamous MUCH YOUNGER brother-in-law to Jim! Infamous because Jim has claimed all of my life nearly that I made quite a scene at the wedding! I do remember getting very hungry as a young boy in the wedding party and saying out loud something about "when do we eat?" in the ceremony! Anyway, Jim always claimed I was against the marriage! I was only a few years old - and trust me - I was grateful for Jim because he made Sharon SO very happy, and vice-versa!

Across the years my love and appreciation for Jim grew, and my wife Karen also loved him when coming into our family, as has our daughters and families. We have had so many memories together in visits there and here, trips to special places, support back and forth when needed - it has been quite a ride!

Jim was an excellent preacher, singer, and theologian. He was a deep thinker, one of the most well-read individuals I ever knew. He asked out loud the questions many of us have but often stifle ourselves. He read voraciously and completed multiple books every year. How I wished I could have read like that and had the time to sit by the hour and discuss as Jim so wanted to do.

He had an incredible sense of humor, both in person and digitally! He sent pictures making faces and distortions which were highly entertaining. He made light of heavy subjects which gave us relief and laughter.

My only regret and the regret of my immediate family was that we did not have MORE time with him and Sharon. Our lives are so busy, our commitments so demanding that time just didn't allow for that. We look forward to the day when there will be eternally long conversations and times of sharing in the new heaven and the new earth, a foretaste of which Jim is already experiencing. I can only imagine the philosophical conversations Jim has going on with Paul, with Peter, with Abraham and David, with the "Johns" - Calvin and Wesley! And on and on!

Jim's last texts to me were special:
Funny pictures aplenty!

October 31 - "Trick or Treat! Send me all your candy!"

November 4 - "Did you like the musical?" ( I have no idea which one!)

November 7 - "Did you have a problem with constipation at Nashville First? I have it bad." (Classic Jim!)

November 8 - "Bad day." Followed by more funny pictures.

January 2 - "Read lead article USA. Any thoughts?" (I supposed he meant something in USA Today - but never was sure.)

The cryptic humor. The basic things of life. Communication. These were things Jim loved.

We miss you brother! Please know - I am so glad you married my sister. Thank you for all you have said and done for us across the years - very personal things - we are so grateful.

Enjoy what our eyes cannot see, our ears cannot hear, our minds cannot conceive - especially the presence of Jesus our savior - until we meet again. See you soon. Kevin

I'm so thankful for the time we got to spend with Jim. What an incredible man that touched the lives of so many. We are continuing to pray for you and your family.

So sorry to hear about your dad, but so grateful for our blessed hope! Praying for you and your family! Your Dad's impact on so many people, including me, is immeasurable and will live on. Much love to you & your family!

I never had too many one on one interactions with your dad. He was always with your mom. What I remember best about him though, was his smile and the way he was always happy to see everyone and talk to them! And the way he truly loved your mom. Such a beautiful love they shared! He was an amazing man of God!

Your Dad and mother were part of the reason I turned my life around and got my life right with God. They were our first Pastors in McPherson Kansas. What a blessing they were to me. The thing I remember the most was every Sunday they always sang before the message and that I loved. I believe I still got there record. Thinking of all of you and praying for you all.

First of all, Jim's parents were the closet couple Bev and I ever had for grandparents at Grand Rapids Fuller Avenue Church of the Nazarene. They were the best. Secondly, Jim and I shared as music leaders even though he was still is in high school and I was teaching in Cedar Springs and 'Belding.. This family came the closet to being our real parents. So glad we will meet up in heaven someday where Bev now resides.

The assurance of Jim’s arrival in heaven is such an example of the man he was here on earth. I don’t have any specific stories to share, just an overarching knowledge of his love of Jesus, his family and life. I don’t remember a time of him visiting our church when he didn’t have joy flowing out of him.

MY FRIEND FROM GRAND RAPIS FULLER AVENUE, WE LED THE MUSIC, JIM'S PARENTS BECAME OUR PARENTS WHILE WE LIVED THE GRAND RAIPIDS.

What do you say about a friend you’ve known for over fifty years? Jim was true and faithful friend. Enjoyed his laughter over a can of beans, which will always bring a smile to my face.
Plus he was a good preacher, even when battling kidney stones.
The memories that we shared together will always be treasured in our hearts.
Love to you and the family as you walk through the valley of shadows, and remember death doesn’t get the last word… life does!
Chuck

When the need for services to reach isolated older adults in Chico was first identified in the 1980's, Pastor Jim responded with true leadership. His pivotal support enabled the founding of the Peg Taylor Center for Adult Day Health Care, which became a highly effective model program. Pastor Monck's essential role in bringing the Peg Taylor Center to life led to the provision of millions of hours of care over the past 40 years, positively impacting thousands of families. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Sharon and all of Jim's family, and gratitude for your devoted care. I will always remember Jim's kindness as we worked to open the doors of the Peg Taylor Center in 1985; it was a true labor of love. He will be very missed.

Pastor Jim was my pastor as a young girl. Dea was one of my closest friends when they lived in Racine, WI. I remember many overnights at their both their homes there. He bought me a ‘I love Pastor Jim’ t shirt for my sweet 16 party…. I wore that for many years—even at Olivet when I went to college. So glad he and Sharon were able to meet me in Fredericksburg TX a few years ago when she came for a work trip so we could catch up.

Love and Prayers for the many family members and friends of Jim Monck. Jim was a unique individual with an amazing sense of humor and a deep love for God and others. He was well read and his ministry was relevant to all ages. Jim will be greatly missed, but "we do not grieve as those who have no hope" (I Thess. 4:13-18). It won't be long until we are reunited for eternity with the Lord and fellow-believers.

Wonderful pastor and his preaching the gospel. Awesome family. Sharon and all the talents God gave you. Love you all. Jim rest in peace. Blessings.

Denny, Erik and I were blessed with getting to know Pastor Jim and Sharon. He seemed to enjoy teasing me and made a point to make all of our family welcome. Erik recalls pastor taking him to Point Loma his senior year of high school. I remember Denny and I helping them move to Rio Vista. Sharon made every visit memorable with her talented piano playing. We loved meeting them at a spaghetti restaurant after church sometimes. We were blessed to meet them. Heaven has gained with our loss.

Pastor Jim welcomed my husband and I into the Nazarene Church when we were a young married couple. We will never forget his warmth and his kindness to us in those early years. He was a wonderful pastor and when he left with your family to California, we were sad to see you all leave. May he rest in eternal peace and may God be with all of you as you miss him. With love and deep appreciation, ♥️ Don and Amy D. Racine, WI

When I was pastoring in Redding, Sharon was an invaluable friend part of our music ministry, and Tami was our youth pastor. Jim also would attend when he was not away preaching somewhere. It was in those days, we developed a strong friendship. When I was elected District Superintendent, I asked Jim to fill pulpits, and serve in interim pastoral roles, which he did so well. Over the years we had many conversations about church, our denomination, theology, and books we were reading. Jim’s unique humor made our conversations interesting, and fun. He was a faithful preacher of the Gospel. We miss him, but not for long, as we know there is a great and glorious reunion awaiting us. Much love to you Sharon, Tami, and all the family.

We are so sorry to hear about Jim. We have been praying for him since we heard of his health. You Sharon and Jim were all part of helping me to get right with God. I thank God for how you helped me to get my life going the right way. We will continue to pray for you. We love you so much and no how hard this is. I lost my husband in 2012 and that was so hard for me so I know what you are going through. Keep looking up and God will help you through this.