News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Rev-Jim-Spence-main_article_image.jpg
Thames Valley Police
UK News

Body found in Oxfordshire search for missing vicar

Officers believe the body is that of 88-year-old Rev James (also known as Jim) Spence, though formal identification is yet to take place.

The body was discovered on Friday.

Rev James led Greyfriars church in Reading before becoming an honorary assistant priest in Wallingford (pictured below).

The Bishop of Dorchester, Rt Rev Colin Fletcher said: "We were deeply saddened by the news of the death of the Revd Jim Spence.

"He was a faithful clergyman and was well known and loved as the Vicar of Greyfriars, Reading, and more recently as an Honorary Assistant Priest in Wallingford.

"He had a long and distinguished career and will be deeply missed.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."
 
Thames Valley Police appealed for help to find Rev Spence and a Facebook group was created to aid the search when he failed to return from a walk.

Inspector Nicola Douglas said: "Officers have been carrying out extensive search activity to attempt to locate James Spence.

"Sadly a man's body has now been found by those searching for Mr Spence.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being offered support.

"I would like to thank everyone who assisted us in our missing person investigation.

Sciencebloke/Wikimedia Commons

"Members of the community have helped us in our enquiries and I would like to pass on my appreciation for their support.

"It is with great sadness I have to inform everyone of this tragic outcome."

The death is being treated as unexplained, but is not thought to be suspicious.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate