James Terry

James H. Terry, 70, of 356 Green End Ave, Middletown, RI, died Friday, August 5, 2011, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. He was the husband of June Lewers Terry for 25 splendid years, sharing a depth of mutual respect and affection. Jim and June met when they were both teaching New Testament Greek to seminary students. He enjoyed music, books, fiendishly difficult Sudoku puzzles, two canine companions, and the ocean. In driving toward Jamestown Bridge, en route home, he could hardly wait for his first glimpse of the bay. He loved singing bass in the choir at St. Columbas Chapel, and as he died, June was with him, softly singing hymns.Born in Texas on July 14, 1941, he was the son of the late William and Leora Terry; he respected and loved his sister, Carol Adjemian of California. Early in adulthood, he married Carol Murphy Terry who died in 1985. Rebecca Williford Mrs. Mark Williford of Arizona is Jim and Carols daughter. Jims grandsons, Mark and Daniel, accept June as Grandma, and were present with Rebecca in Middletown to celebrate Jims 70th birthday. One week later, he suddenly became ill with an overwhelming pancreatitis cause unknown.Jim served on faculties and administrations of colleges and seminaries in the USA and Canada prior to 14 years as Salve Regina Universitys Registrar. He found joy in his Salve relationships. He held a Masters of Divinity, a Masters in Theology, and a PhD. in Higher Education, but as an unassuming person, he kept his education in the background. He valued relationships over reputation, was motivated by serving others, and worked to balance mercy and justice. At present, friends are recalling his mix of strength with gentleness; his ability to take God and others seriously, while laughing lightly at himself; and his compassionate living-out of the Christian faith.The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 13, at 2:00 PM at St. Columbas Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Ave near Indian Ave, in Middletown. Those present will mourn their loss, will celebrate Gods grace as revealed in Jims life, and will, in some sense, join Jim in singing the worship of God. Burial will follow in the churchyard, and a reception will follow. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.Memorial donations may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development by making a check out to St. Columbas Chapel address above, with ERD on the memo line; or to Salve Regina where gifts will be directed toward the Mercy Center campus ministry or for scholarships. Send donations to the Office of Advancement, Salve Regina University, 100 Ochre Point Ave, Newport. Gifts may be given to The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, 46 Elm St, Byfield, MA, 01922. Jim gladly supported the Companions, women who have vowed to pray faithfully for others, to live lives of simplicity, to support social justice, and to give thanks to God often with joy - vows which echo his life.