November 14 1929 July 9 2022
Obituary The Rev. Dr. James Henry Pain died on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the age of 92. Predeceased by his parents, Mabel Brodie Pain, Percival George Pain, and his wife of forty years, Gail Clayton Pain, he is survived by a daughter, Julien Drennan (Bryan) of Lansdale, PA and a son, Jameson Pain (Kittie) of Macungie, PA, and three grandsons, Colin Drennan, Shane Drennan and Brodie Pain. Born in Los Angeles, California, James was a graduate of Belmont High School, ’47, and Occidental College ’51. He moved to the East Coast to attend Drew University, T’54, T’55, where he met his wife, and would spend the next 65 years as a member of the Drew University family, serving as the University Chaplain, Henry and Annie M. Pfeiffer Professor of Religion, and the Dean of the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. When asked about his longevity at Drew he responded, “I stayed so long, perhaps I am a monument to inertia.” He was known for his weekly chapel service and engaging seminars on spirituality, church history and the Inklings, specifically C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, with whom he interacted during his studies at Oxford University where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Keble College. He had a deep voice that was admired when singing and leading worship services and was used in Drew University radio advertisements, earning him the nickname, the Voice of Drew. His kind and quiet nature, unassuming smile, and love of intellectual discourse, whether in a classroom, or over a glass of scotch, or a strong cup of tea, will be remembered by family, friends, colleagues, and students. Jim’s conversations would often end in him reminding others to “keep smiling.” A viewing will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA. 19446. A calling hour will take place from 9:00-10:00 am on Monday, July 18, 2022, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA. 19446. The internment will take place at Brainerd Cemetery, First Presbyterian Church, 22 S. Main St., Cranbury, NJ, 08512, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:00 am. Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, is handling arrangements. Gifts in his honor can be directed to the Dean Pain Prize, Office of University Advancement, Drew University, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ. 07940.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev Dr James Pain November 14 1929 July 9 2022.
Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Lansdale, state: Pennsylvania