James G. Speer, dedicated mid council, congregational and nonprofit leader, dies at age 89

LOUISVILLE – The Rev. Dr. James Gehrett Speer, an honorably retired member of the Presbytery of New York City and a tireless advocate for social and ecological justice, died at his home in New York City on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5.

Born in 1936 in Minneapolis, Speer was educated at San Francisco Theological Seminary and later earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary.

During a diverse career wholly dedicated to faith, learning and service, Speer served several congregations, mid councils and organizations in and around New York City, including the Church of the Crossroads, Brooklyn; the Mission Society of New York City; the Presbytery of New York City (PNYC); and the former Presbytery of Newton (New Jersey). He retired in 2001 from First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, where he and his wife of 61 years, Laurie Lynn (Dod) Speer, continued to worship faithfully until his recent death.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Foltz-Morrison, who retired in 2022 as PNYC’s executive presbyter, recalled an earlier time in his own ministry when Speer’s leadership as PNYC’s associate executive presbyter for Congregational Life and Ministry was especially invaluable.

“When I was called to Fourth Presbyterian Church in the Bronx and ordained there in 1982 as a first-call pastor, the denomination was then promoting congregational redevelopment, with presbyteries, synods and/or the General Assembly offering term-limited grants,” said Foltz-Morrison. “Because PNYC provided a grant to Fourth Church, Jim was the presbytery staff person with whom I most often consulted. He was a mentor to me at Fourth Church, along with [the Revs.] David Cockcroft and Don Hostetter, saints who are all now deceased.”

Speer, as well as having run the race of faith, was also a lifelong runner. During his lifetime, he completed 38 marathons with a personal best of 2 hours and 56 minutes.

“The Rev. James Speer was a valued leader, pastor, mentor, friend, and follower of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Dr. Mary Newbern-Williams, PNYC’s transitional presbyter. “His legacy is one of faithfulness, commitment, giving of heart and soul to others, and living life as a family man and lover of humankind. He is now part of the great cloud of witnesses who surround us, direct, protect and guide us. His ministry continues as a gift, a model and an example for the living.”

In addition to his wife, Speer is survived by his children Timothy Speer (Teresa Vanderboom) and Jessica Hernandez-Speer (Humberto Hernandez), and grandchildren Theo, Josie, Nico and Mina. Speer was preceded in death by his sister, Carol (Speer) Jordison, of Pacific Grove, California.

A memorial service in celebration of Speer’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in New York City at 3 p.m. Eastern time on All Saints’ Day, Saturday, Nov. 1.