Rev. W.W. James (Bill) Pike

Rev. W.W. James (Bill) Pike entered into eternal rest on 7/22/09. Born on 9/7/51 to Lillian K. (Roeder) Pike and Robert V. Pike; he attended Mater Cleri Seminary; Bishop White Seminary and Gonzaga University graduating with a B.A. in Sociology in 1973; He attended graduate school at Gonzaga University and St. Thomas Theologate. He worked for the WA State Dept. of Corrections for 22 years and spent most of his career as a Community Corrections Officer when he retired on a medical disability in 2000. He joined the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in 1985. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1988 and priesthood in 1994 by his Grace, Metropolitan Thomas Mar Makarios in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church having the distinction of being the 2nd non-Malayalee American-born man to be ordained a priest in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He served as associate pastor of St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Mission Church, Spokane. He also served as vicar for St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Kent WA. In addition to his love for his family, friends, parishioners and church activities, he had a lifelong love of fishing, hunting, and sports and participated in bowling leagues and pool leagues for many years. Survived by wife Ginny (Virginia), of Spokane; son Joel & daughter-in-law Sara of Ruskin, NE; daughter, Katy (Kathryn) of Spokane; grandchildren, Emily, Sylvia, and Jonathan. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Deacon Gabriel (Robert) and Liz Pike and their children, Sarah, Nate, & Joshua Merry; Megan, Becky, Abbey, and Isaac Pike. Funeral arrangements: Holy Qurbana, Monday, 7/27/09 at 6 p.m., St Gregorios Orthodox Church, 2803 N. Lincoln, Spokane; Prayer Vigil, Tuesday: 7/28/09 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E Boone, Spokane, WA; Funeral: Wednesday, 7/29/09 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Burial service immediately following at Holy Cross cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, Spokane, WA; Reception will follow the funeral and details and directions will be provided at the funeral. The family wishes to thank all of our extended family, friends, co-workers and parishioners for their prayerful support during Fr. James’ long illness.