Parish Minister

Rev. Nates has served the United Methodist Church for many years in many capacities. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina, Masters of Divinity from Duke University, completed his STM from Luthern Southern Seminary, graduate work at Wesley Seminary, and received an honorary Doctorate from Claflin University in 1977.

Jim has served on dozens of councils, boards, and committees in his career, including the author of the "On Line Christian Education Program - Advanced Course III" for Columbia College. He was even a high school track coach in the early seventies for Whitmire High School, South Carolina.

While he may have offiically retired from the pulpit in 1999, Jim continued to serve at St. Jamies UMC in Columbia and is now our beloved Parish Minister at Ashland UMC.

He and his wife, Patsy live in the Irmo. When he has time, Jim enjoys hiking, kayaking, teaching, and attempting to learn to play Frisbee Golf (Pastor Joel style.) Patsy enjoys his love of yard work!

You can reach Jim via email at: parishminister@ashlandumc.com