Reverend James Rudolph Fuchs

Reverend James Rudolph Fuchs – 92 years of Howell, MI – died April 1, 2024, at Willows at Howell (Howell, MI).  Reverend Fuchs will lie-in-state at Grace Lutheran Church (Howell, MI) on Saturday April 6, 2024, from 10am until the funeral service commences at 2pm.  Pastor Ken Greble will officiate.  A private burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery (Petersburg, MI).

Born July 10, 1931 – in Toledo, OH – Reverend James Fuchs was the son of Rudolph and Martha (Bartz) Fuchs.  He was a 1949 Waite High School (Toledo, OH) graduate.  Graduated from Toledo Barber College as the youngest barber in the nation, to help finance his college, seminary, and graduate school.  In 1953, he earned his bachelor's degree in divinity from Capital University (Columbus, OH).  He later earned his master’s degree in divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, OH).  He also studied Neuropsychology at Princeton University (Princeton, NJ).  Reverend James Fuchs married Mary Anne Capaul on June 11, 1956, in Toledo, OH.  Mary Anne passed away on October 22, 2019.  Reverend James Fuchs was ordained in St. Paul Lutheran Church (Toledo, OH) on June 16, 1957.  He was an Assistant Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church (Ferndale, MI) from 1957 to 1959, later earning his Senior Pastor position from 1959 to 1964.  Shortly after, he was called to Trinity Lutheran Church (Wauseon, OH) as Senior Pastor from 1964 to 1976.  From there, he served St. Paul Lutheran Church (Defiance, OH) from 1976 to 1986.  His final position was establishing the mission in 1986 at Christ the King Lutheran Church (Greenville, SC) – retiring there in 1997.  Reverend James Fuchs was awarded the Outstanding Young Men of America Award in 1965.  He served on the rotary club and was honored with the Paul Harris Award. He loved everything revolving around church including singing in multiple choirs and helping the youth find Jesus.  In addition, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his children, Holly (Gary) Hatter, Dr. Hans (Susan) Fuchs and Heide (Ken) Fuchs-Crosby, his grandchildren Heather (Brad), Megan, Molly, Jonathan (Alexandra), Nathaniel (Lacey) and Mariam, and his great-grandchildren Zachary and Zayne.  Reverend James Fuchs was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Memorial contributions can be made out to Grace Lutheran Church (for family to decide its use).