Casual Dress Appreciated

Holding hands with his wife of 60 years, Reverend James Erwin Erdmann fell asleep in his home and woke up in Heaven Saturday morning, June 7, 2014.
Jim was born to E. F. and Lucille Erdmann on September 26, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young boy. As a pastor’s son, he developed a passion for God’s Word and a heart for His people early in his life. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1950. Deciding to follow in his Dad’s footsteps, he graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri in 1953. He became a licensed minister and then was ordained with the Assemblies of God in 1964.
Jim married the love of his life, Alice Burns, on September 12, 1953. Four children were born to their union: Don (Melodie) of Longmont, Colorado, Karen Aviles (Carlos) of Ozark, Missouri, Dave (Krista) and Dan also of Ozark. As time passed, 15 grandchildren and 24 (soon to be 25!) great-grandchildren were added to the family. Because of their big hearts and generous spirit, over the years, many close friends have been included in the family circle.
Together with his new bride, Jim pioneered the Assembly of God church in New London, Wisconsin, where he served his fledgling congregation until he was drafted in June, 1954. Today that church is thriving because of the foundation upon which it was established.
Jim was honored to be a Korean War veteran. He was drafted the summer of 1954 and later sent to Korea where he attained the rank of Specialist 4th class and served as company clerk for his MASH unit.
Upon returning from his military duty, Jim completed his BS in social studies. He then pastored a home missions church in Boscobel, Wisconsin for over three years. During that period of time he also was a case worker for the welfare department.
Jim moved the family to southern California in 1966 where he taught in a private Christian school for a year. He and his wife created a magical year for his children as they experienced the ocean, mountains, desert, Chinatown, Disneyland, and tacos J for the first time. The family then moved back to Wisconsin where he taught in the public school system of Waupun for the next three years. During that time he served as a supply pastor for the Wiconsin/Northern Michigan district of the Assmblies of God.
The family returned to Springfield, Missouri in 1970 so he could complete his master’s degree. He received his master’s degree in social science with a minor in economics from SMS in 1971. Jim began working as an editor at the Assemblies of God headquarters. His wife also worked there where they were known for their love and devotion to each other, often seen walking together holding hands. They celebrated their retirement together in 1996. Before their retirement, they took a two year intermission from AG headquarters during which time they established two Teen Challenge centers in Hawaii. Jim also taught Bible college courses suring that time.
Jim and Alice spent the early years of their retirement traveling and spending time with family. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, taking pictures, stamp collecting and walking in nature. Watching a good football or baseball game was always welcome on his agenda, especially if he could share it with one of his kids or grandkids. His later years were a challenge as he faced numerous physical issues, but he faced them head on with his confidence in God never wavering. He successfully completed nine years of dialysis on Friday, May 30, 2014.
Visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Military Honors ceremony will be conducted at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
Our family would like to thank Ozark Dialysis Service for the care and compassion they poured out on Jim and Alice during these past nine years. Many of you became friends and family in our hearts. Our deepest gratitude is also extended to Good Shepherd Hospice for walking us so gently through these last few weeks.