James McColl

The Reverend Dr. James McColl, retired pastor at Grace Evangelical Church, Seaside Heights, NJ and retired chaplain at the Ocean County Jail passed away peacefully on September 18th, with family by his side.

Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada as a young man where he attended Bible school. He attended Waterloo University, London College of Bible and Missions and ultimately received his doctorate at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Spreading the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ was paramount to him.  

He was very involved in community service. His ministry included being chaplain at the Ocean County Jail, nursing home visitation, boardwalk literature booth, boardwalk open air services and hospital visitation. He ministered full time for 30 years at Grace Evangelical Church in Seaside Heights, NJ.

He loved the Lord and shared his faith every chance he got.

He was married for 67 years to his wife Chris.  He had five daughters, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  

He is survived by his beloved wife, Chris; and five daughters, Rona McColl-Verdier, Carol Mauger, Christina (Lance) Chambeau, Nancy McColl and Morag (Jason) Howard.  Cherished grandchildren include Robbie McColl-Verdier, Hillary (Jorge)Almeyda, Bobby (Marcia) Mauger, Casey Mauger, Lance (Megan) Chambeau, Heather Minor, Lindsay Chambeau, Kelsey McColl (Stan) and Madison Howard. Great grandchildren include Harper and Holden Mayhugh, Lance, Luca, Crew and Lacey Chambeau, Atalie, Autumn and Titus Mauger.  Jim loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was as comfortable with kids as with adults.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 23 at Grace Bible Church, 4041 Squankum-Allenwood Rd, Allenwood, NJ. Visitation will be from 1 pm – 3pm, with a celebration of life service at 3 pm. This will include a bag piper!

His earthly presence will be greatly missed but he lives on in the lives of those he influenced while he gracefully journeyed through this life serving the Lord.