I was just thinking about my longtime friend, James Schoenrock. This Christian brother was promoted to Heaven on Sunday, Dec. 21, of last year. He had turned 88 just 19 days earlier. He was born in Levelland, Texas, and grew up in a pastor’s home. At the young age of 11, James answered the Lord’s call to preach the gospel, something he did so well for 77 years.
After high school in Odessa, Texas, James married Wilma Seago in 1958. That marriage was blessed for 65 years. James was a graduate of Jacksonville College (Associate of Arts), Stephen F. Austin State University (Bachelor of Science), and two Bachelor of Science degrees and a Master of Divinity degree from the BMA Theological Seminary.
Among his many places of service, James was always a leader. That led to the associational messengers electing him as vice president and then president of the BMA of Texas. He was also a recipient of the Kellar Award from the BMAA Seminary and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Jacksonville College.
A Meeting that Brought About a Friendship
I met James for the first time while I was a student at Southern Arkansas University (then Southern State College) in 1966. He was the director of the Association of Baptist Students (ABS). He had the distinction of being the first full-time ABS director. He loved Christian music with a penchant for Southern Gospel. He asked me to put together an ABS quartet. In 1967, he got his wish. Joining me were some familiar names — Charles Attebery, who became president of Central Baptist College (CBC); Joel Slayton, who became Dr. Slayton and professor at CBC, and Robert MacFarland, who became director of the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
From the Pastorate to the Missions Work
With his faithful wife, Wilma, by his side, James served as a pastor in 11 churches across three states. His last pastorate was at Sheppard Drive Baptist Church in Euless, Texas. He was an excellent pastor, but the Lord had given him a heart for missions. That resulted in the BMA of America electing him as assistant director of Missions and then later as the director of Missions. His ministry in missions continued for nine years, but his love for missionaries never waned. He was mission-hearted until his last breath.
During his time as a Missions director, our acquaintance was renewed, and our friendship strengthened. While I served as pastor of Central Baptist Church in Prescott, I, along with many of the church members, made 47 trips to Central American mission fields. Most of those were for construction and teaching. With every trip, we had the full support and encouragement from Director Schoenrock. If there was a problem on any trip, he was just a phone call away to provide what was needed.
Failing Health for a Successful Servant
After years of faithful service to the Lord and His churches, James’ health began to decline. In April of 2025, he had a diabetic coma, bringing about retirement from the pastorate. He then moved to Little Rock to be close to his daughter. He became a much-loved member of Chenal Valley Baptist Church, where our friendship was renewed once again. I was honored to have him in my Men’s Sunday School Class, where his spiritual insights were always welcomed and appreciated. A treasured memory was spending the day traveling while enjoying reminiscing as we went back and forth from the BMA of Arkansas in November of last year.
But in December, his heart began to fail. After three stents and our hopes of restored health, my mission-hearted friend passed away from a heart attack. He is gone, but not forgotten, and a grand reunion day is coming.
