Rev. James W. Rhiver
Sept. 14, 1939 – Feb. 13, 2026

Rev. James W. Rhiver entered Heaven Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Jim was the beloved husband of Pearl L. Rhiver (née Heihn) since July 27, 1963. He is survived by two daughters Bettyjean M. Bonn and Kyrstin L. Nelson (Andrew), and many beloved cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie Rhiver, and his maternal grandmother, Thekla Niethe.

Jim was baptized, confirmed, and married at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo. He began teaching and youth ministry Aug. 15, 1963, serving as teacher and youth director at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo.; St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud Lutheran Church, Ill.; and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Ill., as a full-time minister of youth while completing his master’s degree in 1971. In 1981, after completing pastoral training, he was ordained and installed as associate pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo., where he served for 10 years. Weddings became his joy! He retired in 2005 after 13 years as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Mexico, Mo.

In August 2005, he and Pearl moved back to St. Louis. From 2006–23, he served 11 church vacancies in the area, led noonday services at Saint Trinity Lutheran Church, St, Louis, Mo., visited shut-ins for several congregations, and served as a volunteer police chaplain in Mexico, Mo., and St. Louis County’s 4th Precinct. Over the years, he composed church songs with guitar for every season of the church year, served on the Board of Youth Services of the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, wrote devotions for various youth periodicals, and designed and led numerous youth work trips across the United States. From 2008–25, he and Pearl served on the planning committee of a retreat for Lutheran older adults in southern Illinois and Missouri every 18 months.

Pastor Jim loved to be with people, telling funny jokes (in various brogues) and delight young ones with his magic tricks. God blessed him with more than 86 years of ministry on this earth, and now he rests in the Lord.

A memorial service will be held:
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Visitation: 10 a.m.
Service: 11 a.m.
Christ Memorial Lutheran Church
5252 S. Lindbergh
St. Louis, MO 63126

Interment to follow at:
Mount Hope Cemetery & Mausoleum
1515 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63125