Dr. James Frazier Van Dyke, son of Floyd Isaac Van Dyke, Sr. and Nora Lee Jolly Belcher Van Dyke, was born in Jewell Ridge, Virginia on April 5, 1928. He was one of a blended family of nine children.
He attended Jewell Ridge Elementary School, Jewell Ridge, VA and Richlands High School, Richlands, VA. He received his B.A. Degree from King College, Bristol, TN; his M.Div. Degree from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA; his Th.M. Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N.J.; and his D.D. Degree from his Alma Mater, King College.
He was married to Rosemary Prime of Daytona Beach, FL on August 4, 1955. He is the father of Miriam Elizabeth Van Dyke, Tucker, GA; Joel Prime Van Dyke, Greenville, SC and John Carden Van Dyke (Lisa), Norfolk, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, six brothers and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, sons, daughter-in-law and six grandchildren, Benjamin Prime Van Dyke, Philip Young Van Dyke (Jessica), Brian Henderson Van Dyke, Gregory Brooks Van Dyke (Lydia), Rachel Elaine Van Dyke and Samuel James Van Dyke.
He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church U.S. (PCUS) on May 31, 1954 and served in that denomination until May 26, 1982, when he became part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). He served several churches in Virginia and Florida before coming to First Presbyterian Church of Rome in March 1974 where he served 18 plus years, retiring April 30, 1992—the longest Pastorate in this church’s history.
He served at the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly levels in the E.P.C. and was involved in the founding of the E.P.C., becoming its Third General Assembly Moderator in 1983. He was the recipient of the “Father of The Church” award in 1992, one of five persons to receive this award.
He was very active beyond his church services. He served on the Board of Trustees of King College for over 20 years; on the Board of Trustees of Thornwell Children’s Home (Clinton, SC); on the Board of Visitors of Montreat College (Montreat, NC), and of Presbyterian College (Clinton, SC), and on the Ministerial Advisory Board of Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS).
He loved Rome, which became home to him and his family. He was very active in this community. Member and Board Member of Rome Rotary Club, Board Member of Rome Red Cross Chapter, The Salvation Army and United Way. Although a Republican, he served as a member of the 7th District Congressional Advisory Committee under Rep. Larry McDonald.
A Private Burial Service will be held at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens, followed by a Memorial Worship Service at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 3:00 pm led by Rev. Jeff Chadwick, Dr. William Flannagan, Rev. Scott Fuller, and Rev. Samuel Harris. There will be a time of visitation with the family afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be sent to King University, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620 or any Christian Ministry of your choice.
Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of the arrangement’s
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