History of Ceylon Tea

James Arthur Fergin was born on January 17, 1931 in Ironwood, Michigan, and passed away peacefully at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington on August 13, 2021. He was 90.

Following his grandfather’s and father’s calling to the ministry, Jim received his

Bachelor of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1957. He also received certification as an addictions counselor from Seattle University.

He served 19 years in Sri Lanka as a minister to workers on tea plantations. On returning to the U.S. he was a parish pastor in Mercer Island, Wa, Director of the Lutheran Compass Center in Seattle, Wa and Associate and visitation pastor at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Wa.

In 1982 he married Judy. They enjoyed traveling across the country several times, visiting National Parks along the way. He was an avid fly fisherman, swimmer and golfer.

He is father to five children, Tom, wife Kim, Peter, Debbie, husband Marv, Tim, wife Shelly and Michael, wife Danielle. He has 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.

The family suggests remembrances in Jim’s honor to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Compass Housing Alliance.