James W. Houpt, Jr.

James William Houpt, Jr., 86, of Port Orange FL passed away March 20, 2022.  Born in Mercersburg, PA to James Houpt Sr. and Mary (Provard) Houpt, James graduated from Greencastle High School in 1953. Following graduation, James attended and graduated from Zion Bible Institute in 1958, joining the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel upon graduation.

James married Erla Jean Linamen 1958 and began a ministry of evangelism 4 days later. In 1959, they became the pastors of the First Foursquare Church of Toledo, OH where they served until 1962. They next pastored the Foursquare Church in Lucas, OH.  While pastoring in Lucas, James taught at Mount Vernon Bible College. Following the Lord’s will, they moved their family to Pennsylvania where they pastored the Muir Foursquare Gospel Church for 14 wonderful years. They last pastored in Decatur, IL at the Decatur Foursquare Church. While pastoring in Decatur, he helped raise money and build a UHF Christian Television Station, Channel 23.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his wife Erla Jean Linamen Houpt, brothers David Houpt, Jerry Houpt, and Bobby Houpt; granddaughter Whitney May; and great- granddaughter Hannah Owens. Survivors include: sisters Betty Anderson, Amy Rice, Gay Buchanan, Nancy Keefer, and Pam Clay; brother Tom Houpt; son Kris Houpt and his wife Sherry, daughter Kim Lundstrom and her husband Don; 5 grandchildren: Bethany Owens and husband Chance, Aaron May, Kirsten DeVito and husband Anthony, Heather May, Taylor Oyola and husband Jaime, and 4 great grandchildren: Hunter Saffran, Liam DeVito, Zoe Oyola, Winsley Owens.

No local services will be held as funeral services will take place in Mercersburg, PA on Monday, March 28th under the direction of Fries Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg PA. To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit: www.lininger-fries.com