The Rev. James Paul Womack (goes by Paul) is a Chattanooga native, although he spent 40 years serving United Methodist congregations in the Western New region (part of the Upper New York Conference). A graduate of East Ridge High School (1964), he received a BA degree in History from Middle Tennessee State University (1968). Commissioned through the Army ROTC program in Military Intelligence and served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an Interrogation Team Leader. Paul enrolled in the Divinity School of Vanderbilt University and graduated with his MDiv degree in 1973. Ordained an Elder in the
Holston Conference, he moved to Buffalo in 1975 and served in various roles, especially enjoying several years in Interfaith work in Rochester. His final appointment was to the Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church at the Chautauqua Institution.

Following retirement, he returned to Chattanooga to be closer to family. While moving around Western New York, Paul received an MA degree in Church History from the Canisius College in Buffalo and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Colgate Rochester/Bexley Hall/Crozer School of Theology in Rochester New York. He also served as a Chaplain in the United States Army Reserves, is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired with the rank of Colonel. From 2021-2024, Paul returned to Hurlbut as a part time pastor to walk with them as the congregation recovered from the effects of Covid. The church returned to full time status when he retired again (!) and returned to Chattanooga.

Paul is married to the Rev. Natalie Hanson, who also served congregations in the Western New York region, including an eight year term on the Upper New York Cabinet as the District Superintendent of the Niagara Frontier District. Natalie, a native of Western New York is graduate of Wesleyan University and the Harvard Divinity School. Natalie will often be with Paul enjoying the fellowship of St. Luke, while also maintaining her relationship with the St. Elmo United Methodist Church. You will find Natalie to be especially adept at planning worship.

They are the parents of three daughters. Bethany is a professor at UTC, Catherine is the front end manager at Cashew's on the North Shore and is pursing studies in interior design and Anna is the Human Resources Director of Sunflower Foods in Woodstock, New York and pursuing her love of music. Paul
and Natalie also have a Dachsund named Scooter.

Contact: pastor@stlukechatt.org  or by phone: 423-877-6447 ext. 3