Rev. James Mark Pullen

Rev. James Mark Pullen passed away peacefully in his sleep on April13th 2025. Mark was born and raised in Paterson New Jersey, for which he was proud to say he was a “city kid from Paterson New Jersey” in his funny Jersey accent. He was pre-deceased by his parents Agnes and James H. Pullen. He is survived by his wife of 62 years of marriage, Nancy Pullen, his sons Kevin and Keith Pullen, his granddaughters Madison and Olivia, his brothers and sister Drew Pullen, David Pullen, and Peggy Sparrow, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark attended Columbia Bible College in South Carolina where he met his wife, Nancy. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a master’s degree in theology. Years later he was awarded an honorary PhD for his extensive mission work across the globe.

Prior to becoming a minister, Mark worked several different jobs such as working for a dairy factory where he would help back the milk trucks into the loading bay. He also worked on a survey crew as well. During his time in college, he would work for the university in the kitchen.

Rev. James Mark Pullen pastored many churches throughout his storied career. He started his career as a pastor at a very small church in Allen’s Point Texas. He and Nancy would drive 135 miles each way to preach there on Sundays. During that time, he would also visit the local prison and minister to the inmates. Upon leaving Texas, Mark and Nancy moved to Edgewood Maryland where they started their family and he pastored at Edgewood Baptist Church. The next church he pastored was Elvaton Baptist in Glen Burnie. From Maryland, he moved his family to Virginia. His longest tenure as a pastor was at Temple Baptist Church in Norfolk where he was the minister for more than 20 years. Mark finished out his career at Bayside Baptist Church located in Virginia Beach.

Rev. James Mark Pullen’s biggest passion in life was spreading the word of Jesus Christ throughout the world. He traveled to numerous countries including Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Cambodia, India, Tanzania, Nepal, and Austria. He loved to tell stories about meeting new people and how he helped train pastors, establish new churches and orphanages all around the world. He met diplomats for Russia, and he met Pol Pot’s brother while in Cambodia. He visited leprosy colonies in India as well. He also met Johnny Cash and June Carter at a prayer breakfast in Norfolk.

For all of those who were fortunate to know Mark, he will be remembered in many ways. Many will remember him by the passionate sermons that he would deliver on Sundays. Mark loved to sing in church and play piano. Family members will remember when he often sat at the piano in his living room and sang How Great Thou Art and other hymns he loved.

His friends and mentors will remember traveling to conferences and mission trips with him. The kids in the neighborhood that grew up around him will remember eating dinner at his home and him being the cool preacher who was down to earth and loved talking to them. Everyone will remember Mark for his love of food, especially a good hotdog or hamburger from Uncle Al’s. Mark was a special person, he was a kind, gentle, intelligent, faithful, and humorous man. Above all, Mark would want to be remembered as a Christian who loved Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to spreading the word of God by mouth and by example. Mark truly embodied what it means to be a Man of God. He treated everyone with kindness and acceptance.

Rev. James Mark Pullen’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday April 25th at Bayside Baptist Church located at 1920 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. There will be a viewing held at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. before the funeral service.