James "Jim" R. Bergdoll

James R. Bergdoll, Sr., resident of Commonwealth Senior Living at Georgian Manor, Chesapeake, Virginia, died of Congestive Heart Failure and Parkinson's Disease. He will be remembered as a member of the Virginia Air National Guard during the Berlin Lift Crisis, student and administrator at Randolph Macon College (Ashland, VA.), Vice President Emeritus, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Executive Director, Virginia United Methodist Foundation (Richmond, VA.).

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carla Bristow Bergdoll, Jim's first marriage daughter, Ruth Bergdoll Bisbing (John) of Alexandria, VA; son, James R. Bergdoll Jr. (Jill) of Oakland, VA.; brother, George H. Bergdoll (Carolyn) of Concord, VA.; daughter-in-law, Linda Morrison (Bob); nephews, Haines, Johnathan, Tim; and step-grandsons, Phillip and Grant. His first wife, Hazel Turk Bergoll; Rev. Richard Bergdoll (father) and Nellie S. Bergdoll (mother) predeceased him.

Bergdoll was born in Washington D.C., graduated from Maury High School (Norfolk), Randolph Macon College (Ashland), American University (Washington D.C.) Master's Degree in communications, and honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Virginia Wesleyan University 1966-1999, and Director Virginia United Methodist Foundation of Richmond, Virginia for 10 years. Jim also dedicated his life to numerous community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Founder of Focus on Faith-COX TV, Boy Scout Initiatives, Lee's Friends, Virginia Beach Historic Houses, South Hampton Roads Leadership Prayer Luncheon.

Bergdoll was a member of Baylake United Methodist Church, Virginia Beach and held numerous positions during his 58 years of attendance, also a delegate to State and National Methodist Church General Conferences.

Appreciation to Seaside Healthcare Center Staff of Atlantic Shores, Georgian Manor Memory Care Community, Hospice Staff, and Home Instead Agency.

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled at a later time in January, 2025 at Bay Lake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA. 23455. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, VA. 23666. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the agencies mentioned. Written condolences may be expressed here, on Jim's obituary page for Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.