Jim Edgren passed into the presence of the Lord the morning of June 4th with his wife of 63 years, Mary Elizabeth “Robbie” at his side.
A highly educated man who never tired of trying his hand at new things, Jim held a BS from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an MS in Guidance and Counseling from Long Island University, an MBA in Management from The American University, and a DMin in Missions from Wesley Theological Seminary.
Jim served in the U.S. Army from his commissioning as a 2LT in the Transportation Corps in 1959 until his retirement as a Chaplain (Colonel) in 1991. His service included two tours of duty in Germany, one year in Vietnam, two at Ft. Lewis, WA, and two at the Pentagon.
Jim and Robbie sought to care for refugees from Vietnam in the 1970s and ‘80s, as well as for people living on the streets in Washington, DC in the 1990s.
Jim was instrumental in establishing a covenant to protect and recognize the Chloe Clarke legacy in Dupont, Washington. A school is named in her honor today, and a monument recognizes the first American settler and missionary in western Washington..
Jim’s and Robbie’s long-time vision of establishing a place of rest and refreshment for clergy, missionaries, and others in Christian ministry began to take shape in 1998 with their purchase of land in the Duckabush Valley on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The Refuge Olympic Mountain Retreat and Conference Center broke ground in 2004 and hosted its first occupants in 2011. Jim has left his mark – and his heart – in every aspect of The Refuge, as its designer, executive director, host, not to mention all-around laborer.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brothers David and Stephen, his sons Mark and Timothy, daughter Sharon, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, who have all been shaped by his faith in Jesus Christ, his faithfulness to his family and calling, his humility and patience in serving, and his integrity.
Those desiring to recognize Jim’s legacy and lifework should consider sending a gift to the Refuge Olympic Mountain Retreat and Conference Center at PO Box 641, Brinnon, WA 98320.
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