We Still Remember: James C. Stratton
There have been many people who have left a lasting legacy in our community here at Asbury Theological Seminary, and often, it is a legacy that leaves a global impact. We frequently remember them and keenly feel their absence, even long after the community has moved on. So, from time to time, we wish to publish a remembrance of a life well lived. Today, we remember James C. Stratton.
James C. Stratton
January 21, 1935 – May 30, 2016
The Rev. James C. Stratton, 81, passed into glory on May 30, 2016, in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Jim was a beloved pastor of six congregations during 43 years of ministry across Southeastern and Central Kentucky. His pastorates were marked by faithful preaching of the Word, strong mission support, creative youth work, and compassionate community outreach.
Jim provided outstanding leadership on the boards of numerous institutions, including Pikeville College, Pikeville United Methodist Hospital, Big Sandy Habitat for Humanity, Henderson Settlement, Red Bird Mission, Aldersgate Camp, the Methodist Home, and Wesley Village. Wesley Village friends know him for his extraordinary dedication as board chair during defining years in the early 2000s.
Born in Meta, Kentucky, Jim was the youngest child of James Lee and Pluma Stratton. At age 12, he gave his life to Jesus and felt called to ministry. He went on to be a proud graduate of Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary. While an undergraduate at Asbury, he had the opportunity one summer to share his witness as he and four other young men sang, preached, and played basketball throughout the Philippines. While attending seminary, his love of basketball took him to the college gymnasium on occasion; it was there he met a young cheerleader, Colleen Overton, who became the love of his life. They married in 1959 and enjoyed serving together.
A hallmark of Jim’s ministry was his commitment to “Faith Promise Giving to Missions,” enabling persons to pledge bold amounts “in faith” above and beyond their usual church support. His passion for mission support intensified when, in 1987, he met and formed a lasting friendship with the son of a Muslim prince, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu from Nigeria, at a Methodist gathering in Ghana, West Africa. On his return from Africa, Jim introduced a young pediatrician, Dr. Tina Slusher, to the bishop. She now spends three months each year as a medical missionary while maintaining her U.S. practice. Dr. Slusher shared, “Rev. Stratton remains my favorite pastor because he continues to show me Christ in a way no one else ever has.”
The true power of Jim’s ministry was prayer. A fellow pastor said, “When Jim says he will pray for you, he will back it up with daily prayer and regular fasting.”
In Pikeville, he was pivotal in beginning a ministry that in 25 years has aided thousands with assistance for rent, utility bills, medicine, and other special needs. He also helped found the Big Sandy Habitat for Humanity, which in one seven-day stretch, built 21 homes led by former President Jimmy Carter.
When asked to name an important goal in life, Jim said, “To raise a family that loves God, who are people of integrity, and who make a positive difference in the world.” God honored Jim’s goal with three sons, three daughters-in-love, and six grandchildren.
I was led to Christ under the ministry of Jim Stratton during the month of November 1975 while he was serving at 1st UMC at Corbin, KY. As a result of that night, I later felt called into the ministry. I attended ATS and retired on the very day that Jim Stratton died, April 30th 2016, after 37 1.2 years in ministry. My life has been truly blessed because our paths crossed in Corbin in 1975.
I remember when Jim spoke in his son, Dr. Stratton’s class. I had just experienced a death in my family and Jim’s teaching on grief and loss became to much for me and I had to leave. After class he sat and listened to me and prayed for me. A year or so later Jim became the interim pastor at my church and he remember that conversation, no doubt because he continued to pray for me for days and weeks afterwards. Jim, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law all continue to hold a special place in my heart for their ministry to me both in and outside the seminary.
Wonderful man
Nice to be remembered in this way. However, when you click on the link, the black and white photo is not Jim Stratton.
Thank you! I have removed the photo. So sorry about that!
Jim Stratton was a fine man and pastor. Unfortunately, the man in the picture is not Jim Stratton.
Thank you for letting me know! I have removed the photo. So sorry about that mistake!
I knew Jim and Colleen when he was pastor in Corbin in the ’70’s. A friend observed, “Jim reminds me more of Jesus then anyone I ever met… Amen!
I had the privilege of working with Rev. Jim Stratton in Pikeville UMC for about 5 years. A message he gave at Asbury College while I attended there was pivotal to me in my God journey. After that message, he showed up in my dorm room, and I got to ask him a question about the message he gave. He was my college roommate dad! About three years later I am was asked about working with him. I jumped at the chance. He mentored me while I was there, but it was not in any formal or structured way. It was from watching him, occasional counsel from him and from his very dry but wise wit. Regarding ministry, he was a regular E.F. Hutton. https://youtu.be/2MXqb1a3Apg
I got to know all his sons well and his wife Colleen is a female version of Barnabas. and the Jim Crit and the whole family are very dear to me.