By the family

April 7, 2025: Reverend Dr. James Charles Zwernemann (affectionately known as Pastor Z) was born to the late Erwin "ET" and Alwine Zwernemann on January 15, 1938, in Brenham, Texas. 

Pastor Z blessed us for 87 years before passing away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Acworth, Georgia. He was an optimistic, kind, and loving man with a sparkle in his eye and a fun sense of humor. As a faithful and devoted servant of Jesus Christ, he dedicated his life to sharing God's word. He touched lives in many ways; as a Lutheran Pastor, community leader, mentor, friend, husband, father, BBQ expert, Eagle Scout, athlete, and doting Pop Pop. He truly loved God, his family, his country, and the great state of Texas.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bonnie; his son Jimmy Zwernemann and his wife, Lori of Katy, Texas; his daughter, Kelly McCarthy and her husband, Thomas of Newburyport, Massachusetts; his son, John Zwernemann of Dallas, Georgia; his daughter, Lori Darby and husband, Stephen of Darien, Connecticut; and his daughter, Christina Childs and husband, George of Acworth, Georgia. He also leaves behind 13 beloved grandchildren- Eric, Lindsay, Thomas "TJ", Andrew, John "Jack", Ryan, Lily, Emily, Jake, George, Phebe, Haley, and Ivy and great-grandchildren, Liam and Blake. He happily baptized all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and officiated the weddings of his children. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, and three dear sisters; Lucille "Tootsie" Jordan, Bobbie Joe Deboke, Bobbie Joe, and Jeanette "Neetsie" Zwernemann.

On June 14, 1964, Pastor Z was ordained into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in his native Texas District at Ascension Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. His ministry began as Vicar at St Paul’s Lutheran Church of Fremont in the Bronx, New York from 1962-1963. He went on to become the Founding Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Warwick, NY from 1964-1969, followed by his call as Head Pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas from 1969-1974. He became the Senior Pastor of the Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School in Bronxville, New York where he served faithfully for 30 years until 2003, when he was named, "Pastor Emeritus." It was especially meaningful that Pastor Z served the same church where he and Bonnie were married on August 18, 1962. 

Pastor Z earned his B.A. at Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and went on to receive his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, his S.T.M. from the Biblical Seminary of New York, and his D.Min. from New York Theological Seminary. He also completed training at the US Army Chaplain School in Fort Hamilton, New York. His love of learning led him to further graduate work at Columbia University (Teachers College), the University of Texas at Austin, Washington University, General Theological Seminary, and the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Pastor Z had a keen interest in world languages and worked toward proficiency in many, including sign language. He frequently preached in German and Spanish.  As a dedicated Lutheran minister, he studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, bringing them to life in his preaching and pastoral care.

During his time at Village Lutheran Church, Pastor Z served as the Bishop and President of the LCMS Atlantic District. He chaired the Board of Regents at Concordia College in Bronxville and served as Chaplain of the Eastchester Fire Department. His civic leadership included board roles with Wartburg, the City History Club of New York, Lawrence Hospital's Institutional Review Board, and Jansen Memorial Hospice of Westchester County. He also regularly presided over the Baccalaureate services for the graduating Senior Classes of Bronxville High School, from which his five children graduated.

Even in retirement, Pastor Z continued his ministry. After moving with his wife, Bonnie, to beautiful East Haddam, CT, he served as interim pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hebron; True Light Lutheran Church in Chinatown, New York, and Hope Lutheran Church in Storrs. Wherever he went, he brought the Good News of Jesus Christ with warmth, humor, and his signature storytelling ability.

Jim gave us a lifetime of beautiful memories filled with laughter, love, and a deep sense of family and faith. Jim was a loyal sports fan and he could easily be spotted in the crowd as the man dressed in clerical clothes with a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. He cheered his heart out from the sidelines for all the Bronxville Bronco teams and he made it a point to attend his children's and grandchildren's events and performances. He also cherished traveling and particularly his pilgrimages to the Holy Land. He was a master on the grill and became well-known for his famous Texas barbeque brisket which he served at the Fun Fair at Chapel School. Pastor Z made the Christmas Eve Services at church extra special as he loved to dress as biblical characters and tell the story of Christ's birth. He enjoyed bringing family into New York City to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, enjoy a Broadway Show and on special occasions, to enjoy a good steak at Smith and Wollensky. 

A gifted athlete, Pastor Z was recognized as All-American in both baseball and basketball and wore his favorite number, 3, in honor of the Holy Trinity. He also played competitive USTA tennis at Concordia College, the Bronxville Field Club, and Siwanoy Country Club. He once won the "Strongest Grip Contest" at Concordia College Racquet Club, explaining that shaking the hands of a big congregation every Sunday gave him the advantage.

You could find Jim, affectionately known as Pop Pop, fishing in Amston with a grandchild at his side, cooking his delicious pancakes with peaches, and playing cards and board games with the kids. He loved the coast of New England and above all, the great state of Texas. You could find him clam-digging on Block Island, enjoying oysters in Old Saybrook, eating lobster rolls with his grandkids in Maine and enjoying BBQ and a scoop of Bluebell Ice Cream with family in Texas. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all.

A memorial service to thank God and honor the life of Reverend Dr. James Zwernemann's life will be held at Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, New York on Tuesday, July 1 at 4 pm with a reception to follow on the Great Porch. Pastor Z's wish was for his service to be a joyful celebration of life and he wanted to encourage guests to wear bright and cheerful colors.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Pastor Zwernemann's memory to: 

Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York 10708

Memorial Donation | Village Lutheran Church

Pastor Z's father, ET Zwernemann, was a legendary Texas Ranger who served as a specialized law enforcement officer in the state of Texas. ET sadly passed away at a young age and Pastor Z always held deep admiration for his father, for our nation's first responders and for our military service members. 

Contributions in Pastor Zwernemann's honor may be made to: 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation