John McPherson

John was born in Quincy, MA to John McPherson and Mary Guest on May 17th, 1941. John and family moved from Quincy to Osterville, MA. After graduating from Barnstable High School, he joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1963.

He returned to Osterville and started work at Crosby Yacht Yard. Here he discovered one of his true passions, wooden sail boats (he settled for fiberglass when he had to), especially Beetle and Marshall catboats. It was at this time that he also found and cultivated his Christian faith and his deep love for Jesus Christ, with help from mentors like Bucky Hallett and Earl Hunt. He soon joined Osterville Baptist Church. At OBC, he also met Jim and Audrey Smith, and their daughter, Pamela. John and Pam fell in love and were married on October 7th, 1978

With Pam at his side, he followed his vocation and studied Theology and Pastoral Studies at Western Theological Seminary in Oregon and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA, graduating with an M.A. and M.Div.

He served as pastor at West Dighton Christian Church, in Dighton, MA, from 1987 until his retirement in 2014. In Dighton, he raised his family and nurtured his congregation with an unwavering focus on Jesus. He was a loving husband and father and a humble servant. After retirement, John and Pam moved to Sandwich. He spent his last years loving his wife and family, playing golf when he could, studying scripture, and, especially, serving as a primary caregiver to his grandson Jameson.

John is survived by his wife Pamela, his son Ian and wife Mary, his son Jared, his brother Robert, and his grandchildren Fiona, Jameson, and Owen.

A committal service will be held Saturday, February 5th at 11 AM at Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit, MA, with the Reverend Christopher Smith officiating. All are welcome to attend. Additionally, a memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on March 12th at 2 PM at Osterville Baptist Church, in Oysterville, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the Jameson William McPherson Scholarship Fund (https://gofund.me/5ed04d12).