The Reverend James William Dagino

The Reverend James William Dagino, 89, died on July 25, 2013 at Fleming Island, FL. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 3PM on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Penney Memorial Church. A graveside burial service will follow at Penney Retirement Community Cemetery. The Rev William Stahl will officiate. “Jim” was born on January 20, 1924, in Milo Maine, son of William McLeod Dagino and Edna Mae (Scott) Dagino. He answered God’s call to enter the ministry at a young age and enrolled in Providence Bible Institute, where he graduated in 1944. While continuing his education at The New England School of Theology, he served as a student pastor for several churches throughout southern Maine. He was ordained after receiving his A.B. degree in Theology in May of 1951." As an ordained American Baptist minister, Jim served the Lord faithfully for over 40 years as a pastor for several churches in Maine, Pennsylvania, and New York. From 1952-1954, he served as pastor of Owl’s Head Baptist Church in Maine. In 1955, he moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania, and served as pastor of First Baptist Church while attending Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1959. Following graduation from seminary, Jim served as Secretary of Alumni Affairs at Eastern Theological Seminary until 1965, when he accepted the pastorate at Greenwood Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. In 1971, he accepted the call to serve as pastor of Point Pleasant Baptist Church in Point Pleasant, PA. In 1980, he returned to Greenwood Baptist, where he remained until his retirement. Jim married Ruth Norma Libby in Houlton, Maine on August 7, 1955. They raised two children, Charles and Libby. In 1991, Jim and Ruth retired to Penney Farms, FL, where Jim continued to actively serve his community. He enjoyed travelling with Ruth and was active in the Symposium and Travel Clubs, as well as serving on the Chaplin’s ministry board and at the local resale shop. His family and friends knew Jim as a man of good humor with a lighthearted wit. He was known for his strong character and his willingness to always lend a hand to those in need. His Christ-like spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth; one son, Charles Edward Dagino and daughter-in-law, Roxanne, of Enola, PA; one daughter, Libby (Dagino) Phillips and son-in-law, Timothy Phillips, of Perkasie, PA; five grandchildren: Jade (Dagino) Ferguson and her husband Bradley of Diamondhead, MS; David James Dagino of Philadelphia, PA; Alyssa Lynn Hager of Boca Raton, FL; Charles Andrew Dagino of Enola, PA; and Kristina Noelle Phillips of Perkasie, PA; and one great-grand son, Harrison Bradley Ferguson of Diamondhead, MS. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Resident’s Aid Fund of Penney Retirement Community. Arrangements were under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St, Green Cove, Springs, FL (904) 284-4000