Dr James E. Kilgore

Dr. James E. Kilgore passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025 surrounded by his family at Northside Hospital. Jim was born to Woodard and Louise Kilgore on July 25, 1936 in Douglasville, GA. Following graduation from High School, Jim met the love of his life, Ruth Marie Buerge in college and they married on August 2, 1957 in Redlands, California. Jim received his BA (1958) and MA of Religious Education (1963) from California Baptist Theological School, a Doctor of Religion (1967) from Claremont School of Theology, and a year of postdoctoral studies in marriage counseling at the University of Minnesota (1969). Jim enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author, a consultant, a pastor, a featured speaker, and a marriage and family therapist. Jim and Ruth founded the Lake Arrowhead Chapel in Cherokee County, GA. in 1980 where he served as the pastor for 23 years before retiring in 2004. Jim also founded and served as president of the International Family Foundation (1975) for 39 years. Since retiring from active ministry, writing, and counseling Jim spent his time continuing to write articles for the Cherokee Tribune, leading neighborhood bible studies, singing in the choir and teaching the adult Sunday School class called Pathfinders at Canton First Methodist Church for the last 21 years. Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, his son Jeffrey, and a brother-in- law. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his sister Janet Cabascango, his son Jim Kilgore (Denise), daughter Joy Kilgore Redwine (Rhon), four grand-children; Jessica Kilgore Corum (Nathan), Mara Kilgore (Brendan Murphy), Leah Redwine Henderson (Kelly), Evan Redwine (Molly), three great grand-children; Clark, Fiona, and Maelle Corum, and one niece and nephew. Jim will be remembered for his ability to shepherd a flock, his inspired teaching, his love of God, family, and friends, and for his sincere desire for people to know God. Funeral services will be held on Saturday Feb. 15, 2025 at Canton First Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 1pm, a memorial service led by Rev. Dr. Kenny Ott beginning at 2pm followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Canton First Methodist Church for the construction of the new multi-purpose building. Please designate donations as “Building Fund in memory of Jim Kilgore.”

Tributes

Dr James E. Kilgore

July 25, 1936 - February 7, 2025