James “Jim” D. Byh, age 53, of Lincoln, died suddenly Fri. evening April 22, 2016 at Neb. Heart Institute, surrounded by his family and friends. Jim was a missionary with Assemblies of God/One Hope Africa. He was born in St. Paul, Minn. to Kenneth and Phyllis (Krantz) Byh on Nov. 4, 1962.
Jim received a degree in mission and theology – but more than that he received a calling and vision from God to reach the unreached areas of Africa and tell all of the love of Jesus. For the last 33 years he has worked fervently as a missionary in French speaking West and Central Africa -planting churches, teaching in Bible schools, crusades, starting Bible clubs for children… to read his life’s story would take volumes. He was loved and will be greatly missed. “Well done-Jim”
He is survived by his parents; his wife Kristi (Neiger) Byh; daughters, Wendy (Willem) Byh-Jongejan, Tiffany (Westley) Negley, Jessica Byh and Kaelee Byh; brother, Greg; sisters, Holly (Frank) Crain, and Liz (Rick) Reeves; one granddaughter Madalyn Grace Negley; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends worldwide.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tues. April 26, at Christ Place Church, 1111 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln. Memorials to the Jim Byh Memorial Fund, 600 SW 3rd St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (https://onehope.net/jimbyh/) Condolences at www.wyuka.com
Our prayers and concern are with you today and in the days ahead in the midst of your incredibly shocking loss.
Jim was a rare man! In many ways, he defined and exemplified a “called and committed missionary”. His legacy will live on in your hearts and lives as well as in the hearts and homes of the many who came to know in a transforming way the God that Jim served!
May God’s presence and care be abundant to you in the coming days and months.
Missing you, Jim. Comfort, blessings, and peace be with your family.
My sincere sympathy,
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Author Unknown
Dear Greg,
We were so sorry to hear about your brother Jim. Our condolences to your Dad and Mom, and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, during this difficult time.
Always,
Dave & Lori Boudewyns
Kristi, so sorry to hear about Jim. Our love and prayers are with you and the girls.
Kristi, so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Diane and I want you to know our prayers and thoughts are with you and the girls during this time. We have fond memories of our time together in Ivory Coast as you and Jim were beginning your ministry. We will do our best to watch the funeral as it is streamed tomorrow. May you feel God’s presence during this difficult time.
Kristi and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He definitely left a Godly legacy, and made a difference in so many ppls lives around the world. May you find strenght, comfort and hope during this very difficult time.
The lord dose not take without giving back . Our prayers go out to his entire family. Greg if there is anything I , or we can do to help you and your family through this hard time please ask .
Kristi,
Love and sympathy from Raymond and Kathryn. We have the same CP roots but were serving in the Middle East when you were in Africa. Our hearts are with you and the girls.
the Hains
Kristi and girls, we are so shocked to have heard about Jim’s passing and do hold you up in prayers that the Lord would give you strength and comfort during these days and weeks. You are in our hearts and prayers. Harry and Beth
Sorry to hear of your loss and praying for all of you for strength and God’s peace. (I’m a co-worker of Wendy at SAGU)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I wished I had known this morning as I would have come to pay respects to him and you his wonderful family. I cant imagine the pain that you are feeling and he will be sorely missed, he was a bright, engaging happy outgoing man that was a joy to know. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love u kae feel better (kaelees friend) kae I will be praying for you your dad was great and you will see him again
Kristi and family–I just read about this, or I might have actually come for the funeral! I feel so badly for you. Having just gone through my own loss a few years ago, I know how much it hurts, and what a horrible shock it is. But I also know that the Lord will walk with you, and hold you tenderly in His arms. He will never leave you or forsake you. BTW, my mother was from Lincoln, and I have a lot of family in Wyuka, so I go there frequently.
To the family of James Byh,
With great sadness, I would like you to know that it was a pleasure meeting you all and caring for your family during James’ last few hours on earth. The love you shared will never be forgotten in my heart. Everytime you miss him, please remember, he is only a prayer away. I hope you all find comfort in knowing he is in God’s loving arms, and will be awaiting you in heaven.
I remember in the early 70s Jim and my brother pat Were best buds.Pat Jim myself and family friend would drive us to see the Minnesota fighting saints games when they played in the civic center $3.00. Tickets in the nose bleed section. Lol. My love and prayers go out to the Byh family.
Hellp, Kristie. This is Mary Brod, Louie Brod’s “Honey” as wendy called me whrn we were in Benin with your family. Louie, Jerry an Dorthy Cruise and Missionary Jim Bowman came and we built 4 Tabernacles there in Benin. It was a wonderful experience.
I am old now, 84 and waiting for my call. We lost Louie in 2013, he was 88 so we both have a long run with Jesus. Please know that we never forgot your family. The kids were such a treat for Lou. I just finished writing a book and in it I mentioned our time with you. and Tabernacle Evenagelism. Also there is a great video on you tube. It’s not our team, It brought back great memories.
God bless you alll. as we wait for His call. Nucg Agape love to all.