Rev. James Primley

Reverend James W. Primley, 90, Wittenberg, died Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg. He was born May 30, 1925 in Conover to the late Schulyer and Annamaria (Eichwald) Primley. He was baptized and confirmed in his beloved Gustavius Adolphus Lutheran Church. Following graduation from high school in 1943 he entered the U.S. Navy and served until the end of WWII. On an accelerated schedule, James matriculated at Lawrence College, now known as Lawrence University, and graduated in 1947. There, he became an active member of Trinity Church of the Lutheran Church in America (which later became the ELCA) and matriculated in their Northwestern Seminary in Minneapolis. He was ordained in 1951. The Church of the Holy Communion in Minneapolis was James' first parish assignment. After that, he was called to Gloria Dei Church in Denver, Colorado where he served for ten years. When James' mother became gravely ill, he applied for and was granted a leave of absence to return to Wisconsin. Later, a novel system of appointments was created in which pastors were appointed by the synod's choosing for periods of no longer than a year and no less than six months. Under this new system, James was first appointed to his home parish in Conover and the sister church, Shepherd of Lakes in Sayner. Next, was a year in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at Grace Church in Gwinn and Emmanuel Lutheran in Skandia, followed by a year at Bethany Church in Republic. He then served three years at Trinity Church in Unity, Wisconsin, after which the Bishop offered him a call to Bethlehem Church in Merrill. Although the Bishop's intention was for the church to be closed, Pastor Primley stayed at Bethlehem for thirty years. At his retirement service, the church and rectory were deeded to the Merrill Historical Society. Survivors include many nieces and nephews and numerous friends who will miss his stories of faith and of his incredible journey through life. Besides his parents, Rev. Primley is preceeded in death by his siblings Dorothy Spurgeion, Robert E. Primley, Juanita Fuchrman, Margret Johnson and Donald Primley. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Pioneer Lake Church in Conover. Bishop Gerald Mansholt will officiate. Burial will be in Hildegard Cemetery, Conover. Friends may call Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to The Pioneer Lake Church, The Homme Residents Fund, or to a charity of your choice. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.