Bethany Staff

I was born, raised, and educated in Southern California.  A birthright Presbyterian, I literally grew up in the church as my Mom was a church secretary. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a B. Mus. in Organ Performance and Choral Conducting.  After graduation, I spent three years in the U.S. Army as a Special Agent in Military Intelligence. Upon my discharge, I entered Fuller Theological Seminary and graduated with an M.A. in Theology. I served churches in Southern California as a Christian Educator.  In 1982, I completed an M.Div. at  Earlham School of Religion (Quaker) with an emphasis in Peace and Justice Studies.  I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in The Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1986, and served at Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church, Dearborn, MI.

A 19-year ministry as pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney, PA, began in 1991.  I “officially” retired in 2010 when we left Punxsy and moved to Lancaster County. I’ve been serving as the Covenant Pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church since the spring of 2011.  The year 2019 marks my 43rd anniversary in ministry.

I’m married to The Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes, who is the Executive Presbyter of Donegal Presbytery.  Erin and I met while we were both at Earlham and we married in 1984.  Erin is a Southern California native, as well.  We have two children: Graham (31), a Clinical Therapist, and Meredith (23), a Senior at Elizabethtown College. We currently reside in Lititz.

In our free time, Erin and I museum hop, hike, attend orchestra concerts and plays.  We’re avid movie goers, too – in the congregation I’m known for my frequent movie reviews.  We have a Welsh Terrier named Abigail.

Jim has been an active member of the Bethany community since his return from service in Vietnam.  An integral part of the overall life of the church, Jim directs the Boy Scouts, and is a member of the Board of Deacons.  He is also “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” for our monthly Men’s Breakfast Club.