After 35 years of faithful service, Majors Jim and Candy Curl are embarking on a new adventure: retirement.
Integrity, compassion and wisdom have been constants in their ministry, from corps and city command to divisional appointments and finally as pastoral care officers. In a service held at Territorial Headquarters, colleagues, friends and family shared tributes to the Curls’ godly legacy.
“Their joint calling to marriage, ministry and mentoring has been a huge blessing to many people,” said Commissioner Heidi Bailey, territorial leader for leader development.
As teens growing up in the Joliet, Ill., Corps, Jim and Candy were mentored by officers who encouraged them in their faith and set an example for godly leadership, giving them a solid foundation on which to build. They were commissioned from the School for Officers’ Training in 1979 with the “Joyful Evangelists.”
Following their calling gave them opportunities to use their God-given gifts and passions to minister. While Candy’s gift of service led her to be the hands and feet of Jesus in every appointment, particularly in women’s ministries as she advocated for and loved the women around her, Jim’s passion for the outdoors led him to plan exciting trips alongside meaningful Bible studies and fellowship opportunities for camps and men’s ministries. Together they led with their eyes on the Lord, no matter the appointment or activity.
“It is clear that their first aim as joyful evangelists has been to bring people to Christ,” said Lt. Colonel Renea Smith, personnel secretary. “Jim and Candy are wise builders who have modeled what it means to build a strong foundation.”
Raising three children, the Curls set an example of faith and service that made a lasting impression. “Thank you for making us part of your ministry,” said their daughter, Melanie, in a video tribute. “It was never separate things; you brought us along beside you and left a beautiful inheritance.”
For those considering officership or just starting out in ministry, Major Jim has this advice: “Officership is an all-in commitment. Determine in your heart what God has called you to do and use that as the filter for every decision.”
