Rev. James L. Poyner, 74, of Port Richey, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2018 while under the care of his loving family and HPH Hospice. A native of Waterloo, Iowa born to Claude and LaVera (Hamm) Poyner on July 14, 1943.
He married Charlotte in 1965, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., in 1966 and entered Grace Theological Seminary, also in Winona Lake. During seminary, he was drawn to mission work. He graduated with his master of divinity degree in 1970, Ordained with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he “planted” a church he led for 10 years. In 1981 he was called again by Grace Brethren Home Missions Council to start another Church in Port Richey and came to the area. Over the next 33 years Pastor Jim led the Gulfview Grace Church, was also active with Bayonet Point Hospital as a Chaplain and the Pasco Ministerial Association.
He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte; son, Pastor Paul Poyner and his wife Tandy; daughter Angie Burnett and her husband Ken; brother, Weston Poyner; 7 grandchildren Keelen, Kaden, Kyren, Kenslee, Kambree, Abby and Zak.
A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, July 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the James L. Poyner Family Life Center at Gulfview Church, 6639 Hammock Rd. Port Richey, FL 34668. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gulfview Church, 6639 Hammock Rd. Port Richey, FL 34668 in memory of Rev. James L. Poyner.