James L. Schierling

James LaMar Schierling

March 14, 1943 – October 26, 2026

James LaMar Schierling went home to be with his Lord on October 26, 2026, in Bedford, Texas. Born March 14, 1943, in Dallas, Oregon, Jim was raised in a pastor’s family with a strong Christian heritage. He received Jesus Christ as his Savior as a boy, kneeling beside his mother’s rocking chair. In college, a roommate’s questions challenged him to examine what he believed, growing his faith into one he made his own.

Jim grew up in Hillsboro, Oregon, and later lived in Sacramento, California, and Yuma, Arizona. He attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, planning to become a physician. A college mission trip to a Salvation Army home in Honolulu changed the course of his life. Seeing the spiritual needs of the young people there, he surrendered his plans to God and turned toward ministry. That same summer he met Joanne Boyd, a fellow counselor, and was drawn to her dedication and kindness. They married on June 20, 1964, at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California.

Jim earned his Th.M. (1969) and D.Min. (1982) from Dallas Theological Seminary. After serving churches in Cedar Rapids and Ames, Iowa, he and Joanne moved to the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area in 1974, where Jim founded Mid-Cities Bible Church and served as its pastor for 30 years. His ministry was marked by careful, verse-by-verse teaching of Scripture, equipping others to use their spiritual gifts, and mentoring men and seminary students to become faithful leaders. After retiring, he continued to counsel, officiate weddings and funerals, and provide occasional pulpit supply.

Jim loved traveling the world with Joanne and leading church groups through the Holy Land and the journeys of the Apostle Paul. Travel was more than seeing new places; it was a way to learn, deepen his understanding of history, and create lasting memories with the people they loved.

Above all, Jim cherished his family. He was devoted to Joanne, his beloved wife of 62 years, took great pride in his four daughters, and delighted in being “Poppa” to his seven grandchildren. Jim believed that faith in Jesus Christ gives purpose to life and hope for eternity, and he wanted his life to point others toward that hope.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Erna Schierling, and his sister, Ginny Perry. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; daughters and sons-in-law Jolynda and Dean Ash of Fort Worth, Texas; Jamie and Jarrett Trusty of Fort Worth, Texas; Jennifer and Geof Landis of Tucson, Arizona; and Janna and Aron Vaughan of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren Olivia, Grant, Reagan, Ryder, Presley, Lauren, and Emily; and his sister Gracie Richesin of Lodi, California.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 5th, 2026 with visitation at 2pm and service at 3pm at Mid-Cities Bible Church at 3224 Cheek-Sparger Rd., Bedford, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Dallas Theological Seminary.