James Thomas Funston was born March 6, 1933 in Tracy, Minnesota, the son of John James and Blanche R. (Nelson) Funston.

After graduating from high school, he attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. He practiced this profession for just a short period of time until his goals changed. At that time, he started studying the Bible, and on learning Bible truths, changed direction. He dedicated his life to serving his God, Jehovah, as a career. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 3rd, 1953.

His focus now was the ministry, helping others by imparting God’s Word to them. Jim met the love of his life, Marcia Sorenson, and the two were married on November 22, 1958 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The new couple moved to Custer, South Dakota, then to New Castle, Wyoming. They then were assigned as Special Pioneers (full time ministers) in Butte, Montana, where they lived for several years. From there, Jim and Marcia went into the Circuit work as traveling ministers, visiting and encouraging congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They traveled for more than nine years serving congregations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. He and his wife traveled throughout the United States and to more than 10 foreign countries, making numerous friends along the way. They attended special ministerial training at Lansing, New York. He taught and attended many Theocratic classes and schools throughout the Midwest.

Due to health concerns, they left the traveling work and eventually settled in Oelwein, Iowa, where they have lived since 1976. Jim maintained his active focus on the ministry into his later years, serving as a local Elder and fulltime minister in both the Oelwein Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and traveling to support the Independence congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses until the two congregations merged. A theocratic highlight in his life was being appointed to serve as a Director for several Bible Dramas performed at District Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Sadly, Marcia passed away on May 18, 2003, although Jim was devastated by this severe loss, he continued to serve Jehovah for well over 62 years.

His health had declined in recent years requiring him to have specialized care at MercyOne Oelwein Senior Care. He passed away on Saturday, December 12th, from complications due to contracting COVID-19.

Survivors include: his Sister in law and Brother in law Diana and Alton Swanson of Davenport, a cousin, and nieces and nephews.