James L. Terpo, retired director of missions (DOM) for Bessemer Baptist Association, died April 6. He was 82.
A native of Piper, Terpo was a U.S. Army veteran, who was stationed in Bermuda during World War II.
He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute (now the Baptist College of Florida) in Graceville, Fla., and William Carey College (now William Carey University) in Hattiesburg, Miss. Terpo went on to serve as pastor of many churches in Mississippi and Alabama, including Bibbville Baptist, Woodstock; Cahaba Valley Baptist, Centreville; and Brierfield Baptist, all in Bibb Baptist Association; Pilgrim’s Rest West Baptist, Newton, in Columbia Baptist Association; and Canaan Baptist, Bessemer, and West Highland Baptist, Bessemer, both in Bessemer Association. He also served as DOM for Panola Baptist Association in Mississippi.
In addition, Terpo served on the executive committee of the Alabama Baptist State Convention for Bessemer Association (1976–1982), as director of and teacher at the Howard College (now Samford University) extension in Bessemer and as a volunteer teacher for Alabama Citizens Action Program.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Barbara Wynona Campbell Terpo; two sons; and one grandson. (TAB)
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