James Alan Bergquist age 88, died Feb. 3, 2021. He was the son of Elmer C. and Esther M. Bergquist. Born Feb. 7, 1932, in Bertha, Minn., Jim graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1950, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in 1954 and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., in 1958. He earned his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from the University of Southern California in 1962.
Jim and his beloved wife, Lorraine Genevieve (Herman) Bergquist ‘54 were united in marriage on May 14, 1955. Their family grew to include children Robert Steven Bergquist (Neena), Kristine Marie Bergquist Haugo (John), Mark Alan Bergquist (Sue) and Kathleen Leilani Ja Sook Bergquist Bilonta (Gary), thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, with more on the way. His family was a source of joy and pride.
Dr. Bergquist served two congregations, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, from 1958-61 and Calvary Lutheran Church, Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1961-64. He taught Religion at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., from 1964-66 and then taught at Gurukul Theological Seminary, Madras (Chennai), India from 1966-70. James Bergquist was an Associate Director of the Theological Education Fund of the World Council of Churches, based in London from 1970-74. During his years with TEF, he traveled the world with responsibilities in Africa, Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia. Jim then served as Academic Dean of the Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH 1974-80. As Director of the Division of Service and Mission in America of the American Lutheran Church, Dr. Bergquist was based in Minneapolis from 1980-86. Following formation of the ELCA, he continued in this role at the new headquarters in Chicago 1986-89. A call to be Senior Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church brought Jim and Lorrie back to Moorhead Minn., from 1989-95. He served Trinity College, Issaquah, Wash., as president from 1995-99, at which point Dr. Bergquist “retired.” After retirement, Jim continued to teach and serve parishes and seminaries in Hong Kong, India, South Africa and New Zealand.
Throughout the years, and as a retirement home, he and Lorrie found respite at Kabekona Lake. Jim Bergquist was a lifelong scholar and author with immense historical and religious perspective. Relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures were foundational to his journey. As a skilled and avid woodworker, Jim delighted in sharing his creations with those around him. Dr. Bergquist was awarded the first non-national honorary doctorate from Serampore University in India. He received a Distinguished Service Award from his alma mater Luther College in 1989.
James Bergquist is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister, Mary, and many extended family members. He is also survived by a wealth of friends, former students and colleagues from around the globe. Blessed be his memory. Memorials preferred to the charity of your choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686.