Reverend James H. McMearn (1940-2016) was a beloved faith, community, and civil rights leader. Born and raised in Crockett, Texas, Rev. McMearn enlisted in the Air Force shortly after graduating high school and served for five years until his honorable discharge. Making his way to Colorado, he enrolled at the University of Southern Colorado, and in 1969 he served as the Director of Minority and Alcohol Services for the El Paso County Health Department.

Rev. McMearn, divinely inspired, organized a prayer band and bible study group which eventually evolved into New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Fountain, Colorado, where he served as Senior Pastor for 40 years. Rev. McMearn’s guidance fostered the development of many faith leaders, garnering him the title “The Pastors’ Pastor.”

A man driven by his community, Rev. McMearn was also President of the Southern Colorado Ministerial Union, board member of the Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, member of various El Pomar Foundation committees, and the creator, coordinator and organizer of the Milton E. Proby Action Committee, which partnered with the City of Colorado Springs in the naming effort of the Milton E. Proby Parkway, and was pivotal in establishing the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room.