Rev. James R. Sunderland, Jr.

Rev. James R. Sunderland, Jr., 79, of Montoursville, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at The Gatehouse at Divine Providence.

Born August 17, 1946, in Altoona, he was a son of the late James and Minnie (Leonard) Sunderland.

He received his call to ministry at the age of 11 and preached his first sermon “Who is my Neighbor” at Asbury United Methodist Church, in Altoona. He Graduated from Altoona High School in 1964 and Asbury University in 1968, majoring in secondary English. He graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1972 and was ordained as a Deacon in 1972 and Elder in 1974.

On June 28, 1980, Jim married the former Janice Reeder and began their life. They started a wonderful family that was surrounded by his strong faith. He spent many hours studying and participating in many organizations.

He served Bolars Chapel in Wilmore, KY from 1964-68 and Petworth UMC in Washinton, DC as an associate pastor from 1968-70. He pastored at many others including Entriken/Russelville UMC in Huntington County from 1970-72; Trough Creek Valley Charge from 1972-77; Elimsport/St John’s from 1977-85; Centre Grove in Clearfield from 1985-89; Pine Grove/McAlisterville from 1989-97; Balls Mills from 1997-2007; Trinity UMC in New Freedom from 2007-2010; and finally retired and served part-time at Unityville Charge from 2010-2013 which he fully retired in 2014.

Jim’s time in different communities allowed him to open to a large amount of community work. He was a member of the Grange, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Blind Association, and Keystone Emmaus. He served in various positions and volunteered at the Red Cross Bloodmobiles where he donated over 17 gallons of blood to help others. He was a member of the Ivy Lodge 106, F&AM, and a 33rd degree mason in the Williamsport Consistory. He helped with many other masonic organizations over his tenure.

Outside of work and volunteering, Jim was a true family person. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren whether watching the Steelers or Penn State, and Disney movies. He enjoyed reading and sharing meals and memories with any family member or friend. One could listen to Jim singing hymns or find him sitting on the back patio listening to the birds sing.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Sunderland, of Montoursville; two sons, Philip (Lindsey) Sunderland, David (Emily) Sunderland, both of Montoursville; a daughter, Julie (Mike) Weslosky, of Montoursville; a brother, Mark Sunderland, of Atlanta, GA; a sister, Jill Sunderland, of Altoona; and six grandchildren, Emma Sunderland, Nora Sunderland, Riley Sunderland, Thomas “TJ” Sunderland, Finn Weslosky, and Reed Weslosky.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive Montoursville, with Pastor Marion E. Handley and Chaplain Thomas M. Brokaw officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at the church, there will be a Masonic service Friday at 7:45 p.m. Friends may also call on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.

The family will provide the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to UMCOR at, Global Ministries/UMCOR GPO PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068, and The Gatehouse at UPMC Divine Providence at, https://donate.upmc.com/campaign/605346/donate?c_src=25UPMC.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.