October 30, 2014
Keurulainen, Rev James E.
The Reverend James Emil Keurulainen, former pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dedham, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, New Hampshire. He was 67. James was born May 9, 1947 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, a son of Toivo John and Miriam (Maki) Keurulainen. He earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. Reverend Keurulainen served as the Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church for 20 years. He then spent 15 years as the New England District President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod until his retirement two years ago. He also spent 37 years in prison ministry as the Protestant Chaplain at the Norfolk County House of Correction. Jim was a former Dedham Little League coach and an avid Boston sports fan. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Priscilla D. (Mattson) Keurulainen; his two sons, Scott M., and his wife Melissa Keurulainen of Canton, and Eric J., and his wife Kerri Keurulainen of Walpole; and his brother, Barry, and his wife Andrea Keurulainen of Cabot, Pennsylvania. Visiting hours will be held Monday form 1-3 and 6-9 PM at St. Luke Luthran Church, 950 East Street, Dedham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday at 9:30 AM at St. Luke Lutheran Church followed by interment in Woodside Cemetery in Westminster, Massachusetts at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to Lutheran Church Charities; Comfort Dog Ministry, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101 or to Veterans of the Cross – LCMS, PO Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166 or to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 950 East Street, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.
Comments(6)
For Pastor Jim Keurulainen
‘twas The Shepherd’s man, one of The Way
Held by God’s Grace to teach and pray
A path to walk with seeds to sow
Of Jesus the Christ a world might know
Alive in faith and Love’s gentle hand
To guide His flock to Heaven’s land
To the narrow gate on the path of life
Through times of joy and wrenching strife
Until at last Redemption’s voice it came
Heaven has called Pastor Jim by name!
God bless your soul my friend. Many fond memories of the 60s riding together in the Falcon Sprint, Pineshore and “blueberry picking” during Camp. God bless you Priscilla and your family as you experience this transition. May your strength be the knowledge that the will of God will never lead us where the Grace of God cannot keep us! Love, Dave and Naomi Aho
I met Rev Jim through his jail ministry. He often made the officer’s job easier when he would respond to requests to come and speak with an anguished inmate (no matter his creed) at any time of the day or night.
Rev Jim was an unsung hero.
Knowing he is with our Lord eases the pain of our loss. He was a blessed preacher, and a wonderful friend and helper to our whole family, especially grandson Chris. Jim never missed a day visiting Chris at Boston Children’s Hospital. It was obvious Jim walked with our Lord throughout his life.
chris at Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Priscilla and family, Our condolences on the passing of Pastor Jim. He was a wonderful pastor, down to earth and on point with all his sermons. He truely led his parishoners and was there for all who needed him. Our family was searching for a church and felt so comfortable at St. Luke’s. We gained so much from his leadership and love of God. We admired him and his passion for the church and development of it’s youth. My nephew Mark, got involved with the youth activities. I believe the example, love of God and leading with faith, gave us stronger Christian values in life. God bless you all and know he is finally home!
Our condolences to the family. Our two daughters went to St. Luke’s pre school in the 80’s. We were blessed to have Pastor Jim there. Vacation Bible school was also part of our lives and Pastor Jim made it come alive for the children. Blessings to all the family during this most difficult time.