Rev. James F. Kautz Sr.

James was the first born son of John and Pearl Kautz, Jr. Boy, you know John and Pearl were elated when their son made his debut into this world, but they had no idea that he would be sent home with instructions, which read, “James is on a demand feeding schedule”. Throughout his growing up he took to his parents teachings of how important it is to have a relationship with the Lord, and followed in his father’s footsteps of being a great craftsman and Mr. Fix it!

Jim loved his younger brother, John, dearly. Of course, as any older brother, you know he gave John a run for his money at times, but he always enjoyed their time together whether it be an outdoor adventure, sharing a meal or over the phone, Jim was one proud big brother.

Following the call the Lord had placed upon him, Jim attended Bob Jones University in 1964 for half a semester, and then transferring to Central Bible College in the winter of, 1964, where he met the love of his life, Esther. Jim and Esther knew two things, that God had a call on both of their lives and that he had undeniably brought them together. They married on August 20, 1966. After marrying both returned to school and graduated in 1968. They shared 56 wonderful years together.

The two welcomed their first born, Deborah Ann on November 3, 1969. Debbie was the apple of her father’s eye. Joined at the hip was almost an understatement. The commonalities these two shared, truly wrapped his daughter around his finger. Later, Jim and Esther welcomed their son, James Franklin, Jr. into the family, and as the baby usually does, he stole the show. A quiet and peaceful baby, thought by his parents, but to his sister, he was a real live baby doll. Without question Jim couldn’t have been more proud of the two who called him “Dad”.

Jim honorably held the role of husband and father with much dedication and love, but allowed his heart to grow as the family grew with marriage and grandkids. He would burst in loving pride and joy when talking about Aaron, Luke, Kayden and Isabella. Boy, a proud grandpa was he!

Not only was Jim a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, there was another name he was called, Pastor. Jim’s ministry road began in Vero Beach in 1968 and eventually lead them to Fort Lauderdale in 1972, where he and Esther have faithfully pastored Evangel Church for 50+ years. Last year, 2021, Jim was honored by the Assemblies of God for faithfully ministering unto the Lord for 50 years. There was no denying Jim’s love of the Lord, and his love for people.

Jim never claimed to be perfect, however, what was evident throughout his life is that he truly grasped

Matthew 22:37, “And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’”

Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Kautz, Jr.

He is survived by his mother, Pearl, brother, John, III, his loving wife, Esther, daughter, Debbie (son in law, Terry), son, Jim,Jr. (wife, Melissa), grandsons, Aaron Meitz (wife, Samantha) and Luke Meitz, granddaughters, Kayden Kautz and Isabella Kautz, many nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11a.m., Friday, October 28th, 2022, at Evangel Church,

1045 Northwest 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

Interment Service will be at 3:30p.m., at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Memorial Gardens East

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in honor of Rev. James F. Kautz, Sr. to Evangel Church at the address above or give online at www.evangelassemblyofgod.com