James Shock

James Farrel Shock, Pastor Jim, of Fort Mill, SC went to be with his Lord and sing with Jesus on February 26, 2022. Jim fought a very brave battle with Alzheimer’s, but God’s timing was perfect and he called Jim home peacefully not long after his 79th birthday.

Jim, along with his wife Ronda, were the founders of The Serenity Church of Charlotte where they were pastors to all, but they especially had a heart for those in 12 step Recovery who were seeking a relationship with God. Jim always said that “we have to meet them where they are so we can bring them to where He wants them to be. Jim and Ronda’s mission was to bridge the gap between the 12 steps of Recovery and Christianity and they did it so beautifully. Jim had a heart for those that struggled to build a relationship with God and he was very humble in acknowledging people for who they were and helping them find their own relationship with God. He was kind, thoughtful, funny, giving, big-hearted, a listener, a pastor, and a friend to all who knew him.

Jim was born in New Castle, Indiana to Grace and Richard Shock on February 1st, 1943. He loved horses and playing cowboys as well as going to church where he and Ronda, who met in school, both accepted Christ into their lives as teenagers. Jim and Ronda dated during school years, but as they both graduated from New Castle High School, he and Ronda went their separate ways and ventured off to college.

Jim served in the National Guard for several years in the Army division which he loved. He always showed tremendous respect for veterans and would thank them wholeheartedly for their service. Jim graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science. He married and had 2 daughters and became pastor of a local church for several years after mentoring alongside a beloved and respectable pastor friend.

Many years later, God found a way to bring Jim and Ronda back together. They married in a feed and seed store in Tennessee and spent the next 37 years together. Jim and Ronda had a very special bond as husband and wife. Known to each other as “Hoot” and “Scoot” they shared a lifetime together of love, laughter, joy, tears and simply doing life “One Day at a Time.” Their favorite place to visit was Tybee Island where they would relax on the beach and enjoy delicious food together. They eventually found a wonderful place to live on Lake Wylie where they spent many happy years building memories with family and friends.

Jim really enjoyed living in the South and found many hobbies in golf, boating, fishing and running as well as being an avid guitar player and songwriter. His favorite holiday was Easter and he was known for singing at his favorite Good Friday services a song that he wrote: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin!”  He loved spending time with family, enjoying cookouts, watching sports, attending family events from dance recitals to basketball and soccer games.  His grandchildren, Gabby, Alex and Lucas had a special place in his heart and he left an everlasting footprint on each of their lives. Ironically, he kept a small baby sneaker for each of them on his desk, where he wrote many sermons, as a reminder of how much he loved them. As much as he enjoyed his hobbies, his heart remained with The Serenity Church and he would be so thrilled that friends and faithful servants have continued to keep the church alive today.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ronda, children, Greg(Janet) and Tish(Dana), granddaughter, Gabrielle(fiancé Colin), grandson Alex, grandson Lucas, sister Nancy(Indiana), Stacy and Stephanie, and a host of friends whom he loved as well.

A celebration of life/memorial service will be open for anyone who wishes to attend on Sunday March 20th, at 3:00 p.m. Serenity Church of Charlotte 4220 Stacy Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28209. The service is in the Fellowship Hall toward the back of the church.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to Charlotte Rescue Mission https://charlotterescuemission.org/give-2/
Or the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate