There’s no way I can share just one memory. I met Jim my junior of college, and he left an immediate bright spot on my heart. He was kind and encouraging to my family and me. He never failed to make me smile with his contagious laugh. He will be missed, and will always be loved ❤️
Brent and Geniece Brunson
7d ago
Geniece and I met Jim and Sherri in Greece in 2006. Just like Jim and Sherri, we had been asked to provide entertainment on the ship during the Journeys of Paul trip through Greece and Turkey. Jim had been asked to provide an evening of music and entertainment… and we had been asked to provide one night. Though we were younger (we were newlyweds and around the same age as their kids), we hit it off immediately! We sat at a piano and realized we shared a mutual love of southern gospel, Gaither music, and praise and worship. Instead of working separately, we joined forces and did all the music together! We had an amazing week with the Lacys. We ate lunch and dinner together the entire trip and we came to love them very quickly.
The next year, we were asked to sing again. Sherri didn’t make the trip that year. And while we missed her, we still enjoyed our time with Jim! We still sang together during each appointed time on the ship.
I’ve uploaded several pictures from that trip. In those pics, Jim has a bandage under his eye. And it’s a story I’ve told more than once over the years…
Jim had the idea (and it was 100% his idea … haha) for us to sing “Feeling At Home in the Presence of Jesus” as the opener to our music night. He put me on piano, and then he wanted for him and Geniece to walk from the back, shaking hands with people all the way up to the stage, all while singing this song.
Well, we started… lights low… Geniece and Jim doing the singing/shaking all along the way… until WHAM!! Jim tripped over the floor monitor up at the stage and tumbled completely over it and landed on the stage.
Ever the professional, he kept singing. As he got himself up, we realized his mic hit him in the face. Blood running down his face, he kept going. All three of us finished the song, though all three of us were struggling with laughter!! Jim went to the infirmary in between our two shows, got stitches, and then did another show! He was a trooper. So, you can see his bandages in the photos.
Jim was one of a kind. He was a character… but wow, did he have a big heart and a real love of Jesus and other people. He was full of wisdom and encouragement for me - as I was a young minister of music just getting started in my journey. Jim had walked down that road for years, and he always had good advice. I’m grateful for him!
Sherri, we love you. We pray God’s peace and blessings over you and the family. And Jim, we’ll see you at the house!
Sonya Rygh
7d ago
Jim was the first person I met at Beaverton Christian Church. He greeted our son Caleb and I in the office on a friday morning in October of 1999. He invited us to come to a sunday service. When we came in on sunday he made a bee line for Caleb and gave him a high five and said I am so glad you came. He was always a face of welcome and he told me that Caleb reminded him of his son with his red hair. Jim was a huge reason we came to BCC back in the day and my older kids still talk about the Easter performances and how they made their view of Jesus real. Jim you are remembered for the ways you loved people and pointed them to Jesus!
Karen McHenry
Jan 20
Laughter! What fun we had. I recently participated in my church's Singing Christmas Tree. There was one particular song that required tons of air. I kept remembering Jim's words, "Breathe before you come." So funny. We had planned to come this Saturday (we had hotel reservations and everything), but the weather has changed our minds. We are disappointed; yet will watch the livestream.
Lee Albaugh
Jan 19
I remember so clearly the first time I heard Jim lead worship at Beaverton. He became a dear friend and counsel for me!
He lifted us up in worship to the Throne!
Of course ill never forget the "tail" coming from the trunk of his car for so long! Never did figure out what it was!
His counsel encouraged my walk with the Lord. Love to to family! Keep singing and worshipping!: We will worship at the Throne!!
Lee
Cindi Hicks
Jan 17
I don't remember the year it was, but we had the opportunity to sing at The Portland Zoo one winter. All choir was bundled in their coats and scarves, but not Jim! I think he may have had a sweater vest, or something else like it, but there was STEAM rising off the top of his head has he directed us. Never saw anything like it! He put his heart and soul into directing us.
Another incredible memory - Clark Tanner was celebrating his birthday and Jim had Sisters sing for his party in the fellowship hall downstairs (before the remodel). We began by singing the hymn "Follow Me" and then when it was time for the chorus, we started to sing "I Will Follow Him" from the movie Sister Act! The crowd loved it and on Sunday, when we began to sing during our worship service, you could see faces getting ready for our "Sisters Act!" the second time! BUT, we held to the original and the congregation still kind of chuckled as we continued. My goodness, worship was so good and FUN with Jim. Thank you for the privilege and blessing of being part of the orbit that was Jim Lacy.
Lou Ann Ingram
Jan 07
August, 1970 - Morris Harvey College Music Department, 8 in the morning Music Theory. Mr Lambros asked each of us why we chose to be Music Majors. Always excited, Jim, raised his hand first and said “I want to teach music and be a band director!” Mr. Lambros replied, “That’s good, what instrument do you play?” Jim says “PIANO” and we all start laughing when Mr. Lambros said “I’ve
never seen anyone marching a parade route pushing a piano.” That’s the first time I fell in love with that laugh Jim had. We reconnected 11/23 after 50 years. I thank God for that!
Paula Hocott
Jan 06
Jim had a special gift for reaching others through music and drama. He, as Music Minister, and Sherri, often worked together on the piano and organ back in the day at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. During this time Jim worked hard directing elaborate productions at Christmas and Easter time which caused our church to grow and be known to the community. He had the ability to see the potential in others and encouraged them to use their 'gifts' to reach people for Christ. As Choir Director Jim used the choir to reach others for Christ whether it be singing in the church or in a mall. Everyone who was involved in Choir or Orchestra loved Jim and his tender heart.
Praying for comfort, peace and strength for Sherri and family during this time of great loss.
Lance Beckford
Jan 06
One of my all-time favorite music memories/stories is with Jim while he was the choir director at First Baptist of Downey (Christmas 2006). The end of the story is that I’m supposed to start the Christmas production off with sleigh bells, right after the angel says, “Merry Christmas!” Well, for this particular show, which started at 4pm, I was coming from a Christmas parade in Camarillo with San Dimas High School, where I was the drum line instructor. That’s a 2-hour drive, so I knew I had to leave at 2pm at the latest. As our band finished the parade, I had to have a few members load drum line gear into my truck because we were using it for the church Christmas production. Well, all of that was done just before 2 and I was off to the races. I had my show clothes in the car (tuxedo) so I had to change at some point, but my mind was focused on driving & getting there. Time goes by & I’m movin’ it on the freeways, then the obligatory LA traffic appears. The clock & I were in a staring competition and I realized, this is going to be a really close call! Things get moving again and I see 3:30 on the clock, yet I’m still 30 minutes from the church! I start reaching for my tux and take off my shoes & other articles of clothing. I was in a full wardrobe change! I get to the off ramp, still trying to put on the dress shirt & shoes (at a stop light). It’s about 10 ‘til 4 and I’m now on Firestone Blvd, pushing to make that downbeat. Traffic lights and speed limits keep me sweating, but I catch a break and make it into the parking lot at 3:57! I tucked in my shirt, put on my coat, grabbed my stick & sprinted into the sanctuary, just in time to hear the angel say, “Merry Christmas!” I ran down the backstage stairs, grabbed my sleigh bells and played the part! The surprise on the band’s face was priceless! Jim, in classic form, gave his beloved chuckle and body movement.
Antbobbie
Dec 31, 2025
Jim and I met through a mutual friend, Judy Surface, when he played piano for the trio, the Omegans , in Charleston WV 1970. He took me on my first “car” date to Shoney’s on my 16th birthday! Though our date was never repeated, he was a great friend and mentor while at Morris Harvey College, where we parted ways when he graduated in 1974. What a great guy! I’m sure you’re family’s loss is profound. May God comfort each of you. See ya in Heaven, Jim!!
There’s no way I can share just one memory. I met Jim my junior of college, and he left an immediate bright spot on my heart. He was kind and encouraging to my family and me. He never failed to make me smile with his contagious laugh. He will be missed, and will always be loved ❤️
Geniece and I met Jim and Sherri in Greece in 2006. Just like Jim and Sherri, we had been asked to provide entertainment on the ship during the Journeys of Paul trip through Greece and Turkey. Jim had been asked to provide an evening of music and entertainment… and we had been asked to provide one night. Though we were younger (we were newlyweds and around the same age as their kids), we hit it off immediately! We sat at a piano and realized we shared a mutual love of southern gospel, Gaither music, and praise and worship. Instead of working separately, we joined forces and did all the music together! We had an amazing week with the Lacys. We ate lunch and dinner together the entire trip and we came to love them very quickly.
The next year, we were asked to sing again. Sherri didn’t make the trip that year. And while we missed her, we still enjoyed our time with Jim! We still sang together during each appointed time on the ship.
I’ve uploaded several pictures from that trip. In those pics, Jim has a bandage under his eye. And it’s a story I’ve told more than once over the years…
Jim had the idea (and it was 100% his idea … haha) for us to sing “Feeling At Home in the Presence of Jesus” as the opener to our music night. He put me on piano, and then he wanted for him and Geniece to walk from the back, shaking hands with people all the way up to the stage, all while singing this song.
Well, we started… lights low… Geniece and Jim doing the singing/shaking all along the way… until WHAM!! Jim tripped over the floor monitor up at the stage and tumbled completely over it and landed on the stage.
Ever the professional, he kept singing. As he got himself up, we realized his mic hit him in the face. Blood running down his face, he kept going. All three of us finished the song, though all three of us were struggling with laughter!! Jim went to the infirmary in between our two shows, got stitches, and then did another show! He was a trooper. So, you can see his bandages in the photos.
Jim was one of a kind. He was a character… but wow, did he have a big heart and a real love of Jesus and other people. He was full of wisdom and encouragement for me - as I was a young minister of music just getting started in my journey. Jim had walked down that road for years, and he always had good advice. I’m grateful for him!
Sherri, we love you. We pray God’s peace and blessings over you and the family. And Jim, we’ll see you at the house!
Jim was the first person I met at Beaverton Christian Church. He greeted our son Caleb and I in the office on a friday morning in October of 1999. He invited us to come to a sunday service. When we came in on sunday he made a bee line for Caleb and gave him a high five and said I am so glad you came. He was always a face of welcome and he told me that Caleb reminded him of his son with his red hair. Jim was a huge reason we came to BCC back in the day and my older kids still talk about the Easter performances and how they made their view of Jesus real. Jim you are remembered for the ways you loved people and pointed them to Jesus!
Laughter! What fun we had. I recently participated in my church's Singing Christmas Tree. There was one particular song that required tons of air. I kept remembering Jim's words, "Breathe before you come." So funny. We had planned to come this Saturday (we had hotel reservations and everything), but the weather has changed our minds. We are disappointed; yet will watch the livestream.
I remember so clearly the first time I heard Jim lead worship at Beaverton. He became a dear friend and counsel for me!
He lifted us up in worship to the Throne!
Of course ill never forget the "tail" coming from the trunk of his car for so long! Never did figure out what it was!
His counsel encouraged my walk with the Lord. Love to to family! Keep singing and worshipping!: We will worship at the Throne!!
Lee
I don't remember the year it was, but we had the opportunity to sing at The Portland Zoo one winter. All choir was bundled in their coats and scarves, but not Jim! I think he may have had a sweater vest, or something else like it, but there was STEAM rising off the top of his head has he directed us. Never saw anything like it! He put his heart and soul into directing us.
Another incredible memory - Clark Tanner was celebrating his birthday and Jim had Sisters sing for his party in the fellowship hall downstairs (before the remodel). We began by singing the hymn "Follow Me" and then when it was time for the chorus, we started to sing "I Will Follow Him" from the movie Sister Act! The crowd loved it and on Sunday, when we began to sing during our worship service, you could see faces getting ready for our "Sisters Act!" the second time! BUT, we held to the original and the congregation still kind of chuckled as we continued. My goodness, worship was so good and FUN with Jim. Thank you for the privilege and blessing of being part of the orbit that was Jim Lacy.
August, 1970 - Morris Harvey College Music Department, 8 in the morning Music Theory. Mr Lambros asked each of us why we chose to be Music Majors. Always excited, Jim, raised his hand first and said “I want to teach music and be a band director!” Mr. Lambros replied, “That’s good, what instrument do you play?” Jim says “PIANO” and we all start laughing when Mr. Lambros said “I’ve
never seen anyone marching a parade route pushing a piano.” That’s the first time I fell in love with that laugh Jim had. We reconnected 11/23 after 50 years. I thank God for that!
Jim had a special gift for reaching others through music and drama. He, as Music Minister, and Sherri, often worked together on the piano and organ back in the day at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. During this time Jim worked hard directing elaborate productions at Christmas and Easter time which caused our church to grow and be known to the community. He had the ability to see the potential in others and encouraged them to use their 'gifts' to reach people for Christ. As Choir Director Jim used the choir to reach others for Christ whether it be singing in the church or in a mall. Everyone who was involved in Choir or Orchestra loved Jim and his tender heart.
Praying for comfort, peace and strength for Sherri and family during this time of great loss.
One of my all-time favorite music memories/stories is with Jim while he was the choir director at First Baptist of Downey (Christmas 2006). The end of the story is that I’m supposed to start the Christmas production off with sleigh bells, right after the angel says, “Merry Christmas!” Well, for this particular show, which started at 4pm, I was coming from a Christmas parade in Camarillo with San Dimas High School, where I was the drum line instructor. That’s a 2-hour drive, so I knew I had to leave at 2pm at the latest. As our band finished the parade, I had to have a few members load drum line gear into my truck because we were using it for the church Christmas production. Well, all of that was done just before 2 and I was off to the races. I had my show clothes in the car (tuxedo) so I had to change at some point, but my mind was focused on driving & getting there. Time goes by & I’m movin’ it on the freeways, then the obligatory LA traffic appears. The clock & I were in a staring competition and I realized, this is going to be a really close call! Things get moving again and I see 3:30 on the clock, yet I’m still 30 minutes from the church! I start reaching for my tux and take off my shoes & other articles of clothing. I was in a full wardrobe change! I get to the off ramp, still trying to put on the dress shirt & shoes (at a stop light). It’s about 10 ‘til 4 and I’m now on Firestone Blvd, pushing to make that downbeat. Traffic lights and speed limits keep me sweating, but I catch a break and make it into the parking lot at 3:57! I tucked in my shirt, put on my coat, grabbed my stick & sprinted into the sanctuary, just in time to hear the angel say, “Merry Christmas!” I ran down the backstage stairs, grabbed my sleigh bells and played the part! The surprise on the band’s face was priceless! Jim, in classic form, gave his beloved chuckle and body movement.
Jim and I met through a mutual friend, Judy Surface, when he played piano for the trio, the Omegans , in Charleston WV 1970. He took me on my first “car” date to Shoney’s on my 16th birthday! Though our date was never repeated, he was a great friend and mentor while at Morris Harvey College, where we parted ways when he graduated in 1974. What a great guy! I’m sure you’re family’s loss is profound. May God comfort each of you. See ya in Heaven, Jim!!