Dr. James N. Birkitt Sr.

BIRKITT, The Rev. Dr. James N., 89, of Glen Allen, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 3, 2016. Dr. Birkitt was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 8, 1927. Ordained in 1951 to the Southern Baptist ministry, Dr. Birkitt pastored eight local congregations in South Carolina and Virginia and in later years served as interim pastor of 10 Virginia congregations. In1965, Dr. Birkitt established Central Virginia’s first full-time, non-profit Christian radio station, WIVE-AM, in Ashland. He became an early pioneer of Christian broadcasting, serving 28 consecutive years on the board of directors of National Religious Broadcasters. In 1979, he served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Families. Dr. Birkitt was preceded in death by a son, John E. Birkitt, and a grandson, John E. Birkitt, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Carol Keener of Hopewell, and three children: James N. Birkitt, Jr., Jeanne Deeb (William), and Joel T. Birkitt; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Birkitt McEwen (Jon); five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A 10am viewing will take place at Staples Mill Road Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11am. A grave side service will follow at Carmel Baptist Church in Ruther Glen. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Staples Mill Road Baptist Church-Building Fund, 10101 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Condolences can be made at www.nelsencares.com.