James "Jim" Phillip Luther, Sr.

On March 10, 2026, James “Jim” Phillip Luther, Sr. went to be with his Heavenly Father, surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers. His well-lived life will be remembered by all as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a friend to anyone he met and a man of abiding faith.

Jim was born in Lithonia, Georgia, on October 23, 1929, to the late Elmore Doyle and Bertie Mae Pierce Luther.

After his service in the Navy as an aviation electrician, Jim used his talents as a master electrician to work for the Savannah River Plant, as well as the Carolina-Virginia Test Reactor. Upon his retirement in 1991, Jim continued to serve his community through volunteering with Good Works, as well as doing volunteer electrical work for churches.

Jim’s faith was the cornerstone for everything he did. In 1971, he and his wife, Montine, helped start Chapin Baptist Church, which was one of the few Southern Baptist churches in the area at the time. They were heavily involved in the church's ministry until 2015, when they joined Chapin Presbyterian. Jim had a passion for sharing the word of God and was known for his work with The Gideons International, passing out Bibles all over North America, and even in Mexico.

From every state in the continental United States to almost every province in Canada, Jim and Montine had of travelling all over in their motor home, taking in the beauty around them, and always finding a local church to hear God’s word.

Jim was immensely proud of his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For decades, every Thanksgiving and Christmas was spent at “Papa and Gramma’s” house; these are memories that his family will forever cherish. Jim’s life and legacy can be summarized by Romans 8:28, that “all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose”.

Jim is survived by his children Susan Pease, Becky Sturkie, Phillip (Kay) Luther, Cindy (Mike) Harvell; eighteen grandchildren and their spouses; forty-five great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Muller; and sister-in-law, Lou Luther. In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his wife of 73 years, Montine White Luther and his sister, Betty (Harold) Goldmann, brother, Pierce Luther.

The family is especially grateful to the many caregivers, who gave love and skillful care during his last years.

Visitation will be held at Chapin Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The funeral service will follow visitation at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Chapin Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorials in Jim’s honor can be made to The Boys Farm, 6655 SC-34, Newberry, SC 29108, or The Gideons International.

Memories and messages may be shared on his tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Luther family.