Paul James Stamm, 58, of Pine Village, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Paul was born on October 15, 1967, in Lincoln, Illinois, to Joan Hollywood (McDonald) Stamm of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the late Floyd Cecil Stamm. As the son of a missionary, Paul spent much of his childhood in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. During this time, he developed a love for sailing and, as a teenager, won the South African National Championship. He was selected to represent South Africa in the Olympics for sailing; however, due to Apartheid, South Africa was not permitted to participate.
After graduating from Northlands Boys High School in Durban, Paul returned to the United States. He attended Lincoln Christian College and Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Ministry and later, in 2006, a Master's degree in Counseling and Psychology.
Paul began his ministry at Tower Hill Christian Church in Tower Hill, Illinois, followed by Athens Christian Church in Athens, Illinois, and later Highview Christian Church in Washington, Illinois. In January of 1996, Paul came to Pine Village Christian Church in Pine Village, Indiana, where he faithfully served as Senior Pastor for 31 years, until his passing.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Paul counseled individuals and families at Families United in Attica and Lafayette and later at Valley Oaks in Attica. Beginning in 2022, he also served as a professor of Psychology and Sociology at Danville Area Community College in Danville, Illinois.
Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply cherished time with his family. His life's mission was to help people come to know Christ, and he lived that calling with compassion, encouragement, and unwavering faith.
While attending Lincoln Christian College, Paul met his wife, Kimberly K. Dean. They were married on July 29, 1989, in Kewanee, Illinois, and shared 36 years of marriage.
Paul is survived by his wife, Kimberly; five sons, Caleb (Mariah) Stamm of Attica, Joshua (Ellie) Stamm of Attica, Noah (Olivia) Stamm of Carmel, Indiana, and Jimmy and Adrian Stamm, students living at home in Pine Village; six grandchildren, Hudson, Grant, Nolan, Piper, Griffin, and Calvin Stamm; his mother, Joan Stamm of Raleigh, North Carolina; and two sisters, Laura (Tommy) Thurmbuchler of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Carrie (John) Nicolson of Greensboro, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Cecil Stamm, and his brother, Jerry Stamm.
Friends may gather at Pine Village Christian Church on Thursday, January 22, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Paul's life will be held at the church on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Tracy Thomas and family sharing memories. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Pine Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the GoFundMe https://gofund.me/e93c5c0ab established to support the Stamm Family.