James “Jim” Earl Rentz, Jr., Baton Rouge, went to be with Jesus on Monday, August 17, 2020. He was surrounded by his beloved family at home when he passed. He was born on July 3, 1938 in Lakeland, Florida, the child of James and Edna Rentz. After a short career as an electrician, at the age of 30 he became a pastor. He became the pastor at Bethel Assembly of God in Hialeah, Florida where he served for 10 years. In 1979 he and his family moved to Baton Rouge, LA to pursue ministry opportunities at Family Worship Center. During his time there he served as crusade director where he traveled to over 50 countries spreading the gospel. After many years of serving on staff at Family Worship Center, Jim Rentz, travelled as an evangelist with his wife, Esther. At the time of his passing he and Esther were the senior adult pastors at Healing Place Church. Jim also served as the chaplain at Angola State Penitentiary for the last 14 years. In total, he served as a minister of the gospel for 52 years. Only God knows how many thousands of lives he touched during his time on earth. He lived his life by the verse “I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me”, Matthew 25:36. In all of these things he gave his heart and soul to the least of these. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Esther. Also, there three sons, John, Earl and his wife, Karen, and Burt and his wife, DeeDee. He was an amazing Papaw to 6 grandchildren, Jeffery, Kristin, Jordan, Jonathan, Chelsea and Madison. In his full life he was also blessed to have 12 great-grandchildren. Everyone is invited to a memorial on Friday, August 21, 2020 to celebrate the selfless life he lived for the kingdom. Viewing services will be held at Healing Place Church at 11:00 a.m. with the memorial service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be made to Healing Place Church in memory of him. These donations will be distributed among the senior adult ministry, the prison ministry and missions. Arrangements with Church Funeral Services, Baton Rouge
What a Godly man in every since of the word. Jim kept JSM church alive during problems the committed and what a caring and absolute gentleman he was to jsm in Baton rouge, he will be sincerely missed but in Gods kingdom he is, prayer for his wife and family
Pastor and Sister Rentz were huge influences in my life beginning in childhood. Many a time I’ve stopped and thought…..What would Sister Rentz say is the right thing to do and I always made the correct decision when I did that. He is waiting for you sister Rentz but I admit, he’s in heaven with my mom and dad. I’m sure my dad is playing his saxophone and mom is playing her piano.
I am so saddened by the news of the loss of Pastor Rentz!! He and Sister Rentz have always held a special place in my heart since they were my childhood pastors at Bethel Assembly in Hialeah.
Praying for Esther and the family for their great loss but I’m sure heaven is rejoicing!
Jim was a wonderful friend, neighbor and like a grandfather to my son & daughter. Always ready to help anytime we asked. A very kind and generous fellow that made everyone feel comfortable. He will be greatly missed. We love you Jim. Thank you for all you did for so many. Esther know that you have a special Angel watching over you now.
There are truly no words to fully express how deeply saddened I am over the loss of my dear friend, Jim Rentz.. I thank God that he allowed our paths to cross at JSM. He and his lovely wife, Esther, stayed a part of my life, long after I left Baton Rouge. He was an inspiration to me and could always make me laugh. Men like Jim are few and far between and this troubled world certainly needs more like him. He and Esther were the perfect team. My heart aches as I write, but I know the day will come when I will see this strong man of faith, again.
My wife Carol and I are deeply saddened at the news of the passing of our dear friend Jim Rentz. Just after he was hired by Jimmy Swaggart ministries he placed a call to me to ask me to join him and develop the crusade department internally for the ministry. Jim and Esther are some of the most easily loved and cherished couples that you will I meet in a lifetime. Esther words fail me to tell you how much I already miss him, knowing he’s not here. However, he fought a good fight he finished the race and soon all of us will join him. Love, prayers and blessings to the family.
I knew Bro. Rentz first as a supportive and fair boss, then as a caring pastor and, over the last several years, as a steadfast friend and brother. Although my soul celebrates his victorious home-going, my heart has a big hole in it. Donna and I shall miss him so until we meet again. Our love and prayers go out to “Queen” Esther and all of that wonderful Rentz family.
WE LOVED JIM AND ESTHER HAVING WORKED WIYH THEM FOR MANY YEARS AT FWC. WE WERE ALSO PRJVILEGED TO KNOW HIS ENTIRE FAMILY. BRO RENYZ MARRIED OUR YOUNGEST SON. SO MANY BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF THIS GREAT FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH
YOU💗💗💗
Bro. Jimmy was precious to me! I am so thankful to have known him since boyhood. Esther, I know he will wait for you on the other side. What a wonderful man of God!
I briefly worked at the ministry back in the 1980’s and I still remember Bro. and Rentz and Esther working around the campus holding hands like two love birds. Just that example was a testimony and a witness!!!
I remember the first time Jim preached at WCI (prison in Washington Parish, LA) about 1987. The gym was filled to capacity with inmates and several dozen came forward for the altar call. Jim stopped them and sent them back, saying (paraphrased), “You may not understand. Only those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior should come forward.” The same large number came forward again. What a glorious service!
Our hearts are saddened by the passing or our dear friend and fellow servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Bro. Jim Rentz! He has touched so many lives! Bro. Jim & Sis. Esther have stayed in our home many times in the past and he Preached Revivals here where I Pastor at Calvary Christian Bogalusa, La. Such dear servants of our Lord! Bro. Rentz will certainly be missed in the days ahead until we see him in Heaven! We continue to pray for his Precious wife, Esther and their children and other family members and loved ones! Rest in Peace my dear friend! You certainly run your race well and our Lord has welcomed you to your eternal home and said to you, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
My wife Catherine and I, have known Bro. Jim & Sis. Esther Rentz for many years! They have ministered here in Bogalusa at Calvary Christian many times in the past where I Pastor! They have stayed in our home and we have had some very wonderful times of fellowship! Like so many others we are in shock at the passing of such a dear friend and loving servant of our Lord Jesus Christ! He will certainly be missed in the days ahead until we see him and others in heaven one day! Catherine and I, and our church is praying for Sister Esther Rentz and the rest of the family! Rest in peace my dear friend! You run your race well! God bless this wonderful family Bro. Jim leaves behind at this time! See you soon my Brother!
What a loss for this old tired world and what a gain for Heaven–your compassion and wit were always such a treat when coming to Angola and when you came to stay at our house-so sorry to the Devine Easter because I know life will never be the same for this great lady–Wendy and Tom Horton