Jonathan Kim Pilkinton

Dr. Jonathan "Kim" Pilkinton, age 60, of Gardendale, Alabama, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016. Kim was born on November 15, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama.Kim never met a stranger and was loved by many. He lived in Alabama the majority of his life and spent over 40 years in the Lord's service as pastor of numerous churches throughout the Southeast. Kim graduated from Hueytown High School in 1974, from Samford University with his B.A. in 1978, and from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with his Masters of Divinity in 1981 and Doctor of Ministry in 1994.

Kim also loved martial arts and practiced them throughout his lifetime becoming a Sensei, with a 2nd degree black belt in Shotokan and 2nd degree black belt in Wado-ryu.

Kim was best known for his sense of humor. He was a kind, gentle soul who loved God and loved his family and friends more than anything. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Kim is survived by his loving family, including his wife Janice, son Jonathan Adam (Stephanie), daughter Sarah Randolph, stepdaughter Jennifer Day, stepson Trae McDowell, grandson Jon Ryan Pilkinton, step grandchildren Lauren, Madalyn, and Caleb Day, Katielynn, Abigail, and Isabella McDowell, brothers Van (Sandra) and Joe, his beloved dogs Amber and Buddy, and a lifelong collection of family and friends including nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He is predeceased by his father, James Orville Pilkinton, and mother, Vivian Elaine Stokes Pilkinton.

Viewing will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel. Graveside service to follow at Hopewell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (http://gbhs.org) or UAB for Parkinson's disease research at 1720 2nd Ave. S., SC 360B, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0017.