James Frederick Huff, 74, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on 10 October 2024. He served the Church of the Nazarene in a variety of roles for over 40 years, including as the director of the Africa Region. He also served as a missionary in New Zealand and South Africa in addition to leading the Georgia and New Mexico districts as superintendent.

Fred was born 9 June 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of the late Robert F Huff and Joyce Oliver Huff. He graduated from Rossville, Georgia, High School in 1968, then went to Trevecca Nazarene College (now University), where he earned a bachelor’s degree  in religion. He earned a master’s in Church World Mission from Scarritt College in Nashville and completed additional coursework at Fuller Theological Seminary and Wichita State University. Fred received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Trevecca Nazarene University.

Fred married his wife, Dinah Kay Lee, on 25 March 1972, in Decatur, Georgia. Together they had two children: a son, Shane; and daughter, Jaime.

Fred was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He served as a youth pastor at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas (1972-1975) and Nashville First Church of the Nazarene in Tennessee (1975-1978).

He served as a missionary and pastor at Auckland Otara Church of the Nazarene in New Zealand from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 until 1992, he served as a missionary in South Africa, serving as the Church Growth and Evangelism coordinator. 

Fred returned stateside in 1992 to serve at his alma mater, Trevecca Nazarene University, as the vice-president of church relations. In 1996, he was called to lead the Georgia District as superintendent. He served there until 2000.

In April of 2000, Fred was appointed the director of the Africa Region, where he served until 2006. 

“He led our Region as a committed servant and a prayer warrior,” the Africa Region Church of the Nazarene said in a Facebook post. “Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues as the seeds he planted bloom into a thriving and faithful church. His life and service forever bless our region.”

In 2007, he became district superintendent of the New Mexico District, which he led until 2019. 

Recently, he served as director of New Church Development for the Georgia District Church of the Nazarene.

Fred enjoyed playing football in high school and college, singing, Alabama football, going to garage sales, and spending time with Dinah, his family, and friends.

Fred lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He had a passion for evangelism. He had a hearty laugh and a warm smile and a gift for making people feel encouraged and valued. He enjoyed life, laughter and loved everyone.

Fred is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dinah Huff; son, Shane Oliver Huff; daughter, Jaime Lee Swarner; and three grandchildren. 

A celebration of life was held at Jackson Church of the Nazarene in Georgia on 15 October 2024.