James Lee “Jim” Killen, Jr., 79, of Beaumont, died Monday, June 10, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. Jim was born on May 10, 1934, in Houston, the son of Beulah Fay Parish Killen and J. L. Killen. He grew up in Houston and graduated from the University of Houston. Jim went on to study at Perkins School of Theology, S. M. U. in 1956; he was ordained to the ministry of the United Methodist Church. A week later, he married Mada Dorothy McAngus. For the next forty-five years, they served a succession of ten United Methodist congregations. Each one was special to them. Jim and Mada were blessed with the birth of two children, James Lee III and Bethlyn.
Jim was the organizing pastor of Ashford United Methodist Church in Houston. He was a lifelong student. Jim earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from S. M. U. and was the author of nine books, including the recently published “Come to The Edge”. One of his books is used as a standard text book in pastoral care for beginning ministers. Jim retired from Trinity United Methodist Church, Beaumont in 2001. He extended his ministry into retirement through the “Walk of Emmaus”, Kairos Prison ministry, teaching in the Course of Study School for local pastors, short term interim ministries, and writing. He served seven short term interim ministries, including one in Utila Honduras.
Jim and Mada were parted by death in 2005. It was the end of a beautiful partnership. On January 27, 2011, Jim took another partner, Juanita Landry Shook. She filled his remaining years with love.
Jim is survived by his wife, Juanita Killen; son, James Killen III and his wife, Barbara, of Houston; daughter, Bethlyn Eby and her husband, Brian, of Wichita Falls; brother, Thomas Edward Killen and his wife, Marianne, of Naples, Florida; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jason Killen and his wife, Nicola; Joshua Killen; Emily Eby; Phillip Eby; Claire Eby; Lindsey Graham; Jared Austin and his wife, Whitney; and Traci Cockrell; one great-grandson, Jacob Killen; four great-step-grandchildren; nephew, Christian Killen and his wife, Christine; niece, Desiree Killen; and stepchildren, Donna Heitzman, Gary Landry, and their families.
A graveside service for Dr. Killen will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 13, 2013, in the Texas Methodist Conference Cemetery, near Palestine. A gathering of Dr. Killen’s family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m., in the Nita McKnight Parlor, with his memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. All fellow pastors and members in the Harvesters Class have been designated as honorary pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or to United Methodist Committee on Relief, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1411, New York, New York 10115.
