Reverend James W. Rhiver entered Heaven Friday, February 13, 2026. Jim was the beloved husband of Pearl L. Rhiver (nee: Heihn) since July 27, 1963. Jim leaves two daughters Bettyjean M. Bonn and Kyrstin L. Nelson (Andrew) and many loved cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and mother George and Marie Rhiver, and his maternal grandmother, Thekla Niethe.
Jim was baptized, confirmed and married at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO. He started his teaching and youth work ministry August 15, 1963. He served as teacher and youth director at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, St. Louis, St. John’s, Red Bud, IL, and Holy Cross, Collinsville, IL, as fulltime Minister of Youth while finishing his Master’s s degree in 1971. In 1981 after completing his pastoral training he was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor at Holy Cross St. Louis for 10 years. Weddings became his joy! He retired in 2005, after serving thirteen years as pastor of St. John, Mexico, MO.
In August, 2005, he and Pearl moved back to St. Louis. From 2006-2023 Jim served 11 vacancies in the area, did noonday services at St. Trinity, St, Louis, visited shut-ins for several congregations and served as a volunteer police chaplain in Mexico, Mo and St. Louis County, 4th Precinct. Over the years he composed church songs with guitar for every season of the Church Year, served on the Bd. of Youth Services of the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Mo. Synod, wrote devotions for various youth periodicals, designed and led many work trips for youth throughout the United States, and 2008-2025, he and Pearl served on the Planning Committee of a Retreat for Lutheran Older Adults in So. Illinois and Missouri every 18 months.
Pastor Jim loved to be with people, tell good funny jokes (in various brogues) and incite young ones with his magic tricks. God blessed his 86+ years of ministry on this earth and now he is at rest in the Lord. Memorial Service will be at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63126 on Saturday, February, 28 2026. Visitation at 10am, church service starting at 11am.
Pearl and Family,
We were very shocked and saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. As you know we just saw you both very recently at the music festival in Troy and later at the restaurant. Always enjoyed going with Jim and the youth group on float trips and to Colorado to help the flood victums. You have our deepest sympathy. We are sorry we will miss the funeral but we are in Florida. Jim is surely at rest now in God’s eternal peace.
Kiersten, So sorry for the loss of your father may God be with u and your family for this difficult time 🥲 sending love and prayers for strength to get you through a difficult time ♥️🙏🙏 love you!
So many memories of Pastor carrying my family through some rough times. Much love and prayers for peace Pearl!
This is Pam Gohil, daughter of Ervin and Ione Hoffman of Mexico Mo. I remember Pastor Rhivers when he ministered to my parents especially before and after mom passed in 2005. Dad passed in 2010. Praying for Pearl and family.
I am so saddened by the news. We were just talking about meeting up for lunch with my daughter and I. He was a very special friend to our family, We’ve always loved you two and have a special place in our heart. Pastor was one of our favorite pastors ever!
Words cannot express how sad I am to hear of his passing. As a seminarian/ vicar he helped baptize and confirmed me at Holy Cross City. In later years, I would regularly see him at events and services around the area. His love of the Lord was evident in his life. Well-done good and faithful servant.
May this wonderful man forever rest in peace, and may his family know that he was an inspiration throughout generations.
With love and respect, Leah Busch (Holy Cross Lutheran School) of the “Busch Bunch”
Condolences to the family. Just saw him and Mrs. at Laverne Cole’s funeral. Prayers
Pastor Rhiver married Bruce and I 40+ years ago! He was such a sweet man, was glad to see him & Mrs Rhiver last month when my mom passed away. Prayers for his family 🙏
I am so sorry for your families loss he was a wonderful person and I have lots of memories of him at Holy Cross from seeing him do a mass to his humor and being in his Bible classes at school . Krystin you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
I am so sorry to hear this. Pastor Rhiver was a great man and such a beautiful soul. My family often talks about how much we loved hearing his sermons and the stories he would tell. He left a lasting impression on me, as he did on so many people who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely saddened to hear of his passing but Pastor was such a joy throughout my life. He baptized me in 1986 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and performed my wedding 25 years later at Concordia Lutheran in Bourbon MO! It was such a blessing to know him!
Gil and I are deeply saddened by Pastor’s passing. We have wonderful memories.. he officiated at our marriage at St John Lutheran in Mexico in 2004. We always appreciated their hospitality in Mexico and St Louis. God bless all of you as you navigate this different life. Fully rely on God!.
So sorry to hear the passing of Pastor Rhiver. He confirmed my at Holy Cross Lutheran in South City. He will be missed. Praying for you Pearl.
So sorry to hear of Pastor Rhiver’s passing. His spearheading of the youth program at Collinsville Holy Cross gave me a foundation that has helped guide my life. Pearl, you are in my prayers.
John and I were blessed to visit with Jim when our St.Paul’s College class of 1962 celebrated its 50th reunion. He spoke with joy about his ministry since we had last seen him. Our prayers go out to Pearl and Jim’s family as they adapt to life without their beloved husband and father.
Praying for peace and comfort for Pearl and the family as you grieve. Pastor Rhiver confirmed me as an adult and I am eternally grateful!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Pastor Rhiver. My husband and he served together at Holy Cross in St. Louis City. He was a jovial servant and enjoyed spending time with youth groups. He will be missed! My sincere condolences to Pearl, Kyrstin and family.
Gods peace be with his family. He was a great friend
What many memories come to mind from BASIC Youth Group days at Holy Cross, Collinsville! Jim was such a wonderful example of joyful service to our Lord and His people. He remains one of my treasured mentors and role models for ministry. I thank God for calling him to such varied service within His church. I recently watched some of my dad’s home movies and there you all were enjoying a meal at our home with Ladendorfs there as well. It made me smile!
Pearl, God give you and your girls peace and comfort as you go through these times of grief. He will hold you in His strength and love.
Our deepest sympathy to Pastor Jim’s family! I was just notified of his
passing by a friend from Walthe League day’s in Southern Illinois. I served
on the Southern Illinois Walther League Board in the late 1960’s prior
to our wedding in 1966. Please know all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead. May God bless you with His love and peace.
Howard and Jane (Muelken) Weihe (former member of Zion, Belleville) presently members of St. John’s, New Minden, Illinois
I have so many wonderful memories of Pastor Rhiver. Pearl, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Pearl – Don and our family have very special memories of Pastor and you going back more than 30 years when we first moved to Mexico. Pastor Rhiver was a special pastor and friend to us – his love of fishing was a bonus! You and the girls are in our prayers.
Love, Bev and Don
Reverend Rhiver………..thank you for your good friendship and loyal company, as you rode with me on patrol in the 4th Precinct. I am grateful for your ministry there as our Chaplain. I know Heaven is your home, and one glorious day we shall meet again!!!! ✝️
Many pastors try to live in a protective bubble. Not Pastor Jim. He knew his Mexico community because he was an active, Christ focused but fun loving part of it. As a result, our church thrived. His youth group loved him (except when he was behind the wheel!) Never quit caring, and will always be fondly remembered. He sent us a new worship song he had written the week he passed!
I am so sorry for the loss of chaplain Jim he was a friend too many and gave comfort to law enforce officers and their families.
We loved Jim’s time at St
Trinity. It was an honor to get to know him and Pearl. May God grant all of you comfort and peace.