James Curtis Scherf

James Curtis Scherf passed away on January 13, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, at age 85, after many years of declining health. Born June 7, 1939, in Garnavillo, Iowa, Jim dedicated his life to ministry and service.

Jim received his Master of Divinity in 1964 from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Maywood). Jim served as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force during the conflict in Vietnam, stationed at NKP Air Base (Thailand) where he ministered to service members. Jim obtained the rank of Lt Col in the USAF. Upon leaving active duty, Jim continued his service as a Chaplain with the Iowa Air National Guard. For his service, Jim received multiple commendation medals.

After his active duty with the USAF, Jim served as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for 30+ years. His ministry was marked by a commitment to revitalizing congregations and fostering growth. As the founding pastor of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, he established a thriving community that became self-sustaining within its first year. At First Lutheran Church in Des Moines, he led efforts to reinvigorate a large urban congregation, increasing participation, expanding programming, and stabilizing its future. His work also extended to campus ministry, where he served Lutheran students at Iowa State University. During that time Jim received a Master of Science in Higher Education from Iowa State in 1983.

Jim was known for his commanding presence from the pulpit and a rich tenor voice that enhanced his preaching. As his children moved beyond the challenges of being “Pastor’s Kids”, they grew to appreciate his preaching style, which often tied scriptural texts together in the “pericope” tradition, offering more profound insight into Scripture.

A graduate of the University of Iowa (BA – 1960), Jim was a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, where he played the tuba. He often spoke fondly of performing at the 1959 Rose Bowl, a historic game in which the Hawkeyes earned their last victory (to date). Jim was an avid sports enthusiast, faithfully rooting for the New York Yankees and coaching Little League baseball as a father.

Jim was previously married to Starr Hinrichs, who is the mother of their children: Hans (Jeanne), Christian (Lori), Kurt (Dayna), and Jon. Jim was preceded in death by his son Hans, his parents, John and Minerva, and brothers, Royce and Thomas. He is survived by six grandchildren.

Jim was lovingly cared for by Lois Lombard who greatly contributed to his final years.

Services and burial will occur at a later date.

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