Our Vestry

Baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, Nancy and her husband Bob have been part of St. James the Less since 1995. She has deeply valued the strong, loving relationships and sense of community she has found here. She has served on Altar Guild, Hospitality, Vestry (Jr. Warden 2019-21), Children’s Sunday School, Adult Education, Lector Ministry, and is a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Nancy considers it a profound honor to be entrusted with this leadership role. She is committed to doing her very best to serve the people and the mission of St. James the Less.

Sylvia and her husband George moved to Ashland in 1986 and began attending St. James the Less that very first Sunday – even attending virtual services during the Covid shutdown. They raised their two daughters at SJtL. She has taught Children’s Sunday school, served on the Vestry twice before, the Altar Guild, Chenery, Property, Parish Life, and was our Parish Administrator for 7 years. 

John is a 7th generation Episcopalian. He and his wife Geri have experienced many churches, where he has served on vestries and as junior warden, through the multiple moves of his Navy career. John and Geri are thrilled to have found the “thing” that makes a church a family at St. James the Less and are grateful to all who welcomed them with open arms. John’s focus at St. James the Less has been on improving the tech experience for parishioners through sound and streaming.

Beth began attending SJtL at the start of Covid after moving to Ashland from Glen Allen. She has felt His love and presence through the amazing, dedicated staff at St. James the Less and wholehearted kindness shown to her by many members. She was confirmed as an Episcopalian by Bishop Stevenson. Prior to SJtL she had taught Sunday school classes in the Methodist church, led women’s study groups, worked many church fundraisers, and headed up Easter festivities. She has also been an advocate and active volunteer in the Tourette Association of America.

Julie has been a lifelong Episcopalian and member of St. James the Less since 1998, raising her two children here. She has served numerous roles in the church. A highlight is three trips to the gulf coast after Katrina with parishioners and the Tri-cities workcamp. Julie was instrumental in the formation of the St. James the Less Free Clinic where she worked for 7 years.

St. James the Less has been PK’s church community since 2002, drawn here by the vibrant youth program, and looking for such a program for his children. Before joining SJTL he had volunteered as a Middle School Youth Group leader at a nearby church. PK met and married his wife Aleta at SJtL, and together they have volunteered in various ways with the SJTL Youth programs for many years. He occasionally sings Bass in the Choir and can often be found wherever instruments are gathered!

Richard Grosse has been a member of St. James The Less for over 20 years where he raised his two wonderful children. He co-led the youth group for seven years, was the director of adult education under former priest David Anderson, and has previously served on the vestry. Richard is a musician, played Bass Guitar with the former St. James the Less bluegrass band, and can also be found wherever 2 or 3 instruments are gathered! Richard is a licensed clinical social worker and has been a practicing psychotherapist in the community for over 40 years. 

Derrick and his wife Janet came to SJtL in June of 1993 (of course welcomed by Dick Shirey). Derrick and Janet raised their three sons at SJtL. He has served as an usher, a senior high youth group leader, a vestry member, and as a member of various committees during the past thirty years. One of the contributions that is particularly meaningful to him is serving as an usher at funeral services. 

Barbara shares that St. James the Less has become a place of grounding, grace, and belonging for her. She is active in leading the newcomer ministry and beautifying our church interior and exterior, creating a group called the Purge Pals! which has made a noticeable difference in the beauty of our campus. In her career as a nurse, she cared for the critically mentally ill as well as severely wounded active-duty service members.

Jessica Dowdy is a born and raised Episcopalian. She was baptized and grew up at Immanuel Old Church, was confirmed and married her husband Justin at Varina Episcopal. She is thrilled to find a wonderful church home at SJtL for their children, who are joyfully involved in church activities. Jessica is active in altar guild and tech support.

Doug is a lifelong Episcopalian, growing up, meeting his future wife Karen, getting married and raising children in Episcopal Churches. Participation in worship and other activities at St. James the Less has been a vital part of their family life; Doug and one of his two daughters are active members of the choir. He has dedicated most of his working life in service to this country in the Navy, National Guard and Army Reserve.

Rachel has been an active member and participant in congregations in the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Lutheran traditions. As an adult, she migrated towards the Episcopal church. Her professional work is in the nonprofit sector; complex systems, strategic planning, program evaluation, and organizational culture are some of her favorite leadership topics! She is the volunteer managing director for CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation (CJSTUF), a nonprofit she and her husband Roger started in memory of their daughter, Charlotte.