Published in the March 24, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Reverend James D. Fox, 82, of Melrose and longtime pastor at the Church of the Nazarene, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2017. James was born in the small village of Marshallville, Ohio on December 2, 1934, and was one of two sons of the late Rollie O. Fox and Josephine (Henderlong) Fox. He was raised on a farm in Canal Fulton, Ohio, where he graduated from Canal Fulton High School. Jim continued his education at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, where he graduated with a degree in Theology in 1956. Shortly after graduating, he married his best friend and partner in life, Mary Ellen Boshart. They were married on August 25, 1956, and shared a life of devotion to one another and to Christ. As an ordained Nazarene minister, Jim’s pastoral career left an imprint on faith communities across the country. After graduating from the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Jim’s journey as a pastor began in Utica, New York and continued onto churches in Ohio, Michigan, and finally Massachusetts. In each congregation along the way, Rev. Fox’s gentle way of shepherding his congregation to find their faith in God made a positive impact on their lives. Jim was a supportive mentor to many, and served to counsel people to follow the path to Christ. He officiated at countless weddings and funerals, all while providing his loving, kind and humble presence to those around him. After devoting much of his life to church life as a Pastor, Rev. Fox served as Pastor of Visitation and Outreach at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy from 2000 until his retirement in 2009. More recently, he was honored to serve as Pastor Emeritus at the Nazarene Church of Melrose. Rev. Fox was a dedicated and well respected Pastor, but also a loving husband, father and grandfather. He traveled extensively with Mary Ellen, and enjoyed cruises and a love for music together. Jim shared a common bond of love and friendship with Mary Ellen that tied their life together whether at home or in church. As a proud father, Jim always remarked about his children’s accomplishments and loved anytime spent with his grandchildren. Raised in rural Ohio, Jim had a lifelong appreciation for farming and never hesitated to get his hands dirty. He was knowledgeable, self reliant and always ready to fix or repair anything at home. Jim’s memory will live on with his family, and the many lives he touched as a faithful Pastor. Jim was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Boshart) Fox, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Jeffrey L. Fox and his late wife Sue of Charlotte, Vermont; and Janette L. Arthur and her husband Ward of Groveland. He was the dear brother of the late Eldus E. Fox. He was the loving grandfather of Josie Fox, Benjamin Fox, Max Arthur and Jefferson Arthur.
