James H. Stentzel
James Herbert Stentzel, 82, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania passed away on February 23, 2026, in the presence of loving family.Jim was born April 16, 1943, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Helen Grace (Fletcher) Stentzel and J. Walter Stentzel.
Jim graduated from Ann Arbor (MI) High School in 1961, earned a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University in 1965, an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary in 1968, and a master’s in journalism from Columbia University in 1969.
Jim married Catherine Fullerton on August 21, 1965, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. They were married for more than 60 years.
After their son Eric was born in 1969, the family moved to Japan as missionaries and in 1973 adopted their daughter Kim. While overseas, Jim became involved in the pro-democracy movement in South Korea. This interest remained part of his life, culminating in editing for publication More Than Witnesses in 2006, a collection of essays written by missionaries who had aided Korea’s democratic revolution.
Jim and his family joined the Sojourners Community in Washington, DC in 1977. During his time in the D.C. area Jim also worked at Gallaudet University as well as the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). In 1989 Jim and Cathy moved to the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor, PA. It was there that Jim began a cherished ministry of caring for AIDS patients and being a hospice volunteer chaplain. This passion of caring for people continued as he and Cathy moved to Ohio to eventually become co-pastors within the United Church of Christ.
Upon retirement in 2005, Jim and Cathy moved to Key West, FL where Jim was active in his local ACLU chapter as well as the Metropolitan Community Church of Key West. In 2021, they moved to the Shepherd Village co-housing community in Shepherdstown, WV. They enjoyed the beauty of simple living with shared resources in a community of like-minded friends. Recently Jim’s health prompted them to move to Harrisburg, PA to be close to their children.
Jim was a member of Colonial Park United Church of Christ in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, having joyfully joined the congregation just a week before his passing.
Remaining to cherish Jim’s memory are: his wife, Catherine Fullerton Stentzel; children, Eric Walden Stentzel (Salli) and Kim Yurie VanOrmer (Adam); grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Stentzel-Finger (Ethan Finger), Danica Stentzel (Dillon Glyder), Kayla P. VanOrmer (Nick Kelly), Jordan M. VanOrmer (Rosemary Colen), Luke A. VanOrmer, Jr., and Emily L. Miller; great-grandchildren, Rosalyn Miller and Clayton Kelly; brother, David T. Stentzel (Lois Hall); and sister, Martha Sprecher (Michael).
Preceding Jim in death are: his parents, J. Walter Stentzel and Helen Grace (Fletcher) Stentzel; beloved parents-in-law Baxter T. Fullerton and Elizabeth Beale Fullerton; sister, Jane Elizabeth Lage; and brothers, John W. Stentzel, Richard H. “Dick” Stentzel, James Stentzel, George F. Stentzel, Charles F. “Chuck” Stentzel, and Paul Edward Stentzel.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 at Colonial Park United Church of Christ at 5000 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg, PA. A memorial service will begin at 11:30, followed by a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. All are encouraged to bring their favorite pictures or stories about Jim to share.