JAMES ADDISION UHRICH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES ADDISION UHRICH DMin, BDiv, BSc James Addision Uhrich leaves to mourn his wife Margaret, son Brian (Heather) of Winnipeg, daughter Alanna of Toronto, brother David (Avril), mother Bernice, and sister-in-law Valerie Boddis (Ken) all of Winnipeg plus cousins Uhrichs, Wakemans and Luneys. Jim was active all his life within the United Church of Canada, beginning in his home church of Transcona Memorial as a Sunday School teacher, Young People's, Organist for the Senior Choir and eventually as a candidate for ministry. He was ordained June 2, 1968 by Manitoba Conference in Brandon, Manitoba and settled on his first pastoral charge - Hartney-Lauder-Dand. Throughout the 70s and 80s he served several churches in Winnipeg laterally as the Presbytery's first Intentional Interim Minister. In 1991 he accepted a call to St. Andrew's United Church in Calgary where he served for eight years. Since then he has ministered in various cities in Ontario. He was working as Supply Minister at Southminster United Church when he was taken ill in late January of this year. Jim had a love of music that enabled him to share a different side of himself. Whether it was playing guitar with the local high school group Shane and the Divines who played for burgers and shakes at a local drive-in or whether he played boogie-woogie on the organ for his friends when he was practicing at the church. In 1979, while working in a team ministry with Rev. Ian Macdonald at Winnipeg's Augustine United, the two started writing songs at a workshop. Over the next few years they started writing with neighbourhood clergy, and together with Rev Bob Wallace and Bishop Gordon Light they formed Common Cup Company. Over the years, Common Cup has recorded eight albums of original music for worship and with the addition of Richard Betts and Scott McDonald, continue to perform together whenever they can get a gig . Jim will be missed when they provide leadership for Music Week at the Anglican Retreat Centre in Sorrento, BC this July. He will be there in spirit. The family wishes to thank the medical staff of Ottawa General Critical Care Unit for all the care given, with special thanks to Rev. Doug Longstaff the Spiritual Director of Civic Hospital and the United Church Ministry Staff of Lillian Roberts (Presbytery), Debbie Aiken (Ottawa/Montreal Conference) and Rev. Angela Bailey. The cards, letters, and phone calls from friends and members of the various congregations that Jim served, especially Southminster United in Ottawa were greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in Jim's memory can do so to the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund or to a charity of your choice. A Service of Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue (Corner of Bank and Aylmer). Rev. Ian Macdonald and Bishop Gordon Light officiating. Condolences can be made at www.colefuneralservices.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2009