In Memory of Rev. Rev. James “Jim” R. Covington (1942−2025)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. James “Jim” R. Covington, who died on November 12, 2025, at the age of 83.
Jim was born on April 27, 1942, in Union City, TN. He grew up in a Southern Baptist tradition and was ordained into the Southern Baptist ministry at the age of seventeen. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religion from Union University, TN, in 1964, and graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY, in 1967.
After a brief period serving as an associate minister at a Southern Baptist Church in Maryland in the late 1960s, Jim struggled with growing restlessness about organized religion and shifted his vocational path toward counseling. He received a Master of Arts in Psychology from Goddard College, MA, in 1978 and went on to practice independently as a psychotherapist in New York City for sixteen years, working directly with individuals, families, and groups.
Though his work in counseling and social services was deeply meaningful, Jim felt an unfulfilled call to preach, to engage in communal ministry, and to help heal spiritual alienation. During this time, he gained a deeper understanding of Unitarian Universalism and developed a growing sense of affinity with its values and worldview. When he attended the Unitarian Church of All Souls in Manhattan and read the tenets of the UU faith on the face of the bulletin, his sense of belonging was immediately confirmed. He joined the congregation in 1987.
After becoming UU, Jim’s interest in parish ministry returned. While he had occasionally preached over the years, he now felt that he could preach and be true to himself. For him, Unitarian Universalism was a part of a humanistic, liberal religious tradition that he could publicly embrace and feel proud of. He sought to help communities promote healthy social change through preaching, counselling, and social action, both locally and denominationally.
The Rev. Covington entered the UU ministry with great care and discernment. He served the UU Congregation of the Hudson Valley, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, from 1990 to 2011. Under his leadership, the music program flourished with increased participation, more time was devoted to meditation, and worship took on a more cohesive spirit of celebration. He worked closely with the Religious Education Director and the RE Committee to strengthen the Religious Education Program. The Rev. Covington often played the piano for congregational singing and delighted in leading children in a children’s song at the beginning of the worship. He also told children’s stories before they left for their classes. The energy of the congregation became positive and contagious. An excellent preacher, he brought warmth, vitality, and deep spirituality to Sunday services. He retired in 2011, and in 2016, the Hudson Valley congregation honored him as their minister emeritus.
In addition, in 1990, the Rev. Covington was appointed as a District Consulting Minister to the small society in Croton, NY (the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton, and Ossining). He served this congregation for over three years, helping them revitalize the community and clarify its vision for the future.
The Rev. Covington could create an atmosphere of goodwill that made people want to follow him. He showed up for his congregation. From advocating for marriage equality and environmental justice to fostering a more welcoming and diverse congregation, he was well known in his wider community. His ministry was rooted in love and justice, and he excelled in pastoral care and counselling.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Rev. Covington –
“I pray for wisdom over prideful revenge. I pray our consciences will be quickened and clear. I pray our anger will guide us to the right path of justice. I pray that our fear will heighten our awareness of the preciousness of life and not immobilize us. I pray our sadness will embolden us to savor life even as we know more than ever that life is fragile and suffering is inevitable. I pray our hope in the greater goodness of people will not falter. I pray we will not fall to self-righteousness or deny our own hypocrisy. I pray we will continue to cherish each other and love one another, knowing humbly that no one is perfect, and that if we care enough, we can see the same tears, pain and joy in the face of another that are in ourselves. Amen. Love to all.”
Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne Hall Covington; his daughters, Alexandra Coor and April Accomando; his son, Eric Covington; his grandchildren, Christina Watson, Matthew Accomando, Oliver Coor, Sophie Coor, and Graham Coor; as well as his great-grandchildren, Leddy and Wylder Watson.
A memorial service was held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley, 2021 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing.
Notes of condolence may be sent to Suzanne Hall Covington, 251 Central Park West #9d, New York, NY 10024.