James Jerome Pohlman Jr., shook off the bonds of this world late Friday evening, August 16, 2024 at 10:08 pm and passed peacefully from this life into the next.
While living, Jim wore many “hats”: husband, father, patriot, police officer, pastor, coach, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born March 14, 1942 to Jim Sr. and Irene Pohlman of Wichita, KS. He graduated in 1960 from Wichita High School North in Wichita before enlisting in the US Navy. Instilled with a strong sense of patriotism, he served aboard the Navy Destroyer USS Orleck (DD-886) as an engine-room boiler tender. He considered it a tremendous privilege and honor to serve his country in this capacity. Through the remainder of his life, he often declared that if someone were to cut him, he would bleed red, white, and blue.
It was during his time in the Navy that he met and married the love of his life, Sara Ann Philip, also of Wichita. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage and brought into the world four boys: Jeff (1963), Tim (1966), Kip (1968) and Dusty (1978). After the Navy, Jim joined the police department and served as a K-9 officer in the mid-to-late 60’s amidst the race riots that broke out following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Having witnessed first-hand many of the horrible things of which man is capable, and through the unwavering positive influence of his wife, Jim turned to serving in a different capacity; full-time Christian ministry.
He graduated from Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri in 1976. The “hat” of pastor was one that he wore longer than any other, serving the Lord for 50 years in many different locations across the country in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, and (most recently) Kansas where he ultimately spent his final 35 years at the Peabody Christian Church proudly serving his community and the surrounding areas from 1986 until his retirement from public ministry in 2021. His dedication to preaching, teaching, and living the truth made an indelible impact on those congregations and the people therein. His lasting influence continues and will continue through the lives he touched, long after his passing.
For recreation, Jim loved playing golf. His love for the game drove him to play several times a week (when he could), and eventually allowed him to coach the varsity golf team at the Peabody-Burns High School. Golf was his outlet, and it served as a metaphor for his Christian Walk. “It is possible to know all the rules of the game, how to stand, where to look, timing your swing, but sometimes you still make mistakes. As Christians, we know how we should live, but sometimes we mess up. Don’t quit. Keep striving, keep working toward getting better. The mistakes? That’s why we have Jesus.”
Another aspect of Jim’s life was his love for horses. He owned several over his lifetime, and loved to ride with family and friends. One unique opportunity that his ministry in Peabody provided, was the chance to appear, dressed in black astride his horse, as the “Circuit-riding Preacher.”
One part of his life that didn’t require a “hat,” was his love for the Lord. Being a believer wasn’t something he was, it was who he was. He ministered to anyone he encountered through love, compassion, and respect. His life reflected Jesus to the world around him. Even people who didn’t attend his church, often considered him their pastor; someone they could always come to in a time of need for advice, prayer, guidance, and counseling. He will be deeply missed by more than we can count.
Jim is preceded in death, and has no doubt been greeted in Heaven by his parents (Jim Sr. and Irene), his in-laws (Walter and Thelma Philip), his wife (Sara), one granddaughter (Felicia) and two great-grandsons (Tysin and Bentley).
He leaves behind a vast crowd of family and friends who love him dearly, including his brother John (with wife Sharon); sons Jeff, Tim (with wife Heidi), Kip (with wife Lana), and Dusty (with wife Jamie), grandchildren Jordan (with husband Marc), Travis (with wife Casey), Benjamin, Bailey (with husband Brett), Jakob, Cheyenne (with husband Tanner), Maggie, Jadelyn, Eva, Ryan, Lulu, and Caspian; and great-grandchildren Bradyn, Charlotte Paisley Ann, Rachel, Reed, Riggins, Sara, and Jett.
Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Peabody Christian Church, 407 N. Sycamore, Peabody, Kansas. Graveside following service at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody, Ks.
Baker Funeral Home Peabody-Valley Center has charge.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com