Fr. James Metcalf Bristow

BRISTOW, Father James Metcalf – passed away peacefully at home Saturday evening February 20, 2010, with family and friends present, after a long illness, quietly endured with grace and faith as he did all life's adversities. Father Bristow was born in St. Louis, MO on January 30, 1953 to the late Jesse Metcalf Bristow and Frances Willert Bristow, now of Brentwood, Tennessee, who survives. He graduated from University City High School, University City, MO in 1971, earned a B.A. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN in 1975, a M.A. from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, MO in 1978, a M. Div. from Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 1988, and attended St. Luke's Seminary, University of the South, Sewanee, TN. He was ordained as an Episcopal Priest at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Franklin, TN on June 19, 1990. Father Bristow was employed for ten years at Family Booterie in Nashville, TN, served as Senior Associate Pastor at Oak Hill Assembly of God, Oak Hill, TN, and as Deacon at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Franklin, TN. He served as Vicar of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in McMinnville, TN for three years, and then as Assistant to the Bishop at Grace Episcopal Church in Louisville, KY. From 1995 to 2002 he served as Rector at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Franklin TN, and thereafter served as Assisting Priest. His last employment was at Publix Supermarket on Moore’s Lane, Brentwood, TN. In addition to his mother, Father Bristow leaves to cherish his memory his three children, Chelsea (Chris) Decker, David Bristow and Marissa Bristow, and his sister, Mary F. Bristow, all of Brentwood, TN, an aunt, Martha Willert Kurtz Hillman of St. Louis, MO, several cousins, including Pat (Colleen) Coil of Brentwood, TN, his second family, Bill and Harriet Johnston, Dean and Teresa Chance, and Katie Chance, all of Brentwood, TN, Travis Chance (fiancée Lisa Stanfill) of Franklin, TN, his good friend Pat Barnes of Brentwood, TN and his dog Nicky. Father Bristow's family and friends would like to express their appreciation of the care provided by Odyssey Hospice, especially his nurse David, and all the kind ladies of ResCare HomeCare, who made it possible for him to spend his last days comfortably in his home. Visitation will be 5-7pm Monday February 22, 2010 at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 4119 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN. Funeral Mass to be conducted by Lucien Lindsey, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of the South, Episcopal Missionary Church, at Holy Cross Anglican Church at 11am Tuesday February 23, 2010. In lieu of flowers, and being ever mindful of the needs of others, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by: BRENTWOOD-ROESCH-PATTON FUNERAL HOME, 9010 Church Street East, Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 373-3040