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ECKELS, Rev. Dr. James Milliron A longtime resident of Andover, died in a car accident with his beloved wife, the late Jo Ann Isberg Eckels, on Friday, August 17, 2012. He was 82 years old. Dr. Eckels was an ordained, USA, United Presbyterian and United Church of Christ Minister and a licensed Psychologist, MA, who specialized in analytic psychology. Born in Trafford, Pennsylvania on February 27, 1930, he was the son of the late Charles Bennett Eckels and Flora Milliron Eckels. Dr. Eckels was a WWII and Korean War veteran who joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946 and resigned in 1951 as a Sergeant with an honorable discharge. He attended Duke University on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religion. He went on to graduate from Union Theological Seminary in 1959 with a Master of Divinity in Theology, Union Theological Seminary Presbyterian School of Christian Education in 1960 with a Master of Arts in Education: Greek New Testament, Northeastern University in 1966 with a Master of Education in Psychology, and Andover Newton Theological School in 1968 with a Master of Sacred Theology and in 1972 with a Doctor of Ministry in Psychology and Clinical Studies. In 1959, Dr. Eckels was ordained at the Crisp Memorial Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, MD and served as its Pastor from 1958 to 1959. From 1959 to 1963 he was Pastor at Bolivar and Bethel Presbyterian Church in Redstone, PA and went on to work as Chaplain Intern at the Boston University School of Theology and Andover Newton Department of Psychology from 1963 to 1966. From 1966 to 1969 he was the Assistant Minister at Old South Congregational Church in Boston, MA, and from 1969 to 1977 he was Chaplain at Danvers State Hospital in Danvers, MA. In 1973, Dr. Eckels received a Diplomate from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and in 1977 moved his family to Zürich Switzerland to study at the Carl Jung Institute. He returned to Andover in 1979 and set up his counseling practice in an office on Elm Square downtown. Later, he moved his office to 95 Ballardvale Road where he worked for the rest of his life. Dr. Eckels was a Registered Psychologist with the Board of Registration of Psychologists until the day he died. Dr. Eckels dedicated his life to helping others, but he was "Jim" to his wife, "Dad" to his children, and "Grandpa" to his grandchildren. He loved cigars, the Patriots, the Celtics, and even the Red Sox. And although he had many relationships over the years, it was his wife and his children that mattered most, for to him, they were his greatest achievement. Dr. Eckels will be truly missed by his loving children; Marcella R. Eckels and her husband John P. O'Connell of Brooklyn, New York, John C. Eckels of Burlington, Vermont and James J. Eckels of Los Angeles, California, twin granddaughters; Helen and Maeve O'Connell, both of Brooklyn, New York and sister; Marion Arosell of Pennsylvania. Dr. Eckels was also the brother of the late Charles and George Eckels. The funeral service for James and Jo Ann will be celebrated in the West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Road, Andover, on Saturday, August 25th at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, ANDOVER, on Friday, August 24th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. Donations in James and Jo Ann's memory may be made to the National Audubon Society or the Lazarus House Ministries, Inc. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.
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So many years have passed, since Jim and JoAnn have passed on. The memories haven't faded, though. The memories are sometimes joyful -
sometimes deeply touching - but always, always ringing true! - true to life,
true to love, true to friendship. Again, I thank you, dear Jim, for caring so
deeply, and helping us find our way so many times.
May God bless and keep your precious family.
Janice (Elliott) Hillman
Janice (Elliott) Hillman
Friend
August 21, 2023
I was just, about 2 weeks ago, reading an old journal I kept in the 1960s - with entries about doing activities with the student/young adult group Jim led at Boston's Old South Church, that several of us were in. It's interesting that most of the smaller group [at least, about 6] still keep in touch, after 50 years!
As serious as Jim could be about much of the group's "subject matter", it was a joy to hear Jim break out in laughter.... Yes, I was always grateful for Jim's smile and laugh! - and so grateful for Jim in my life! Thank you, God!
Janice (Elliott) Hillman
Friend
August 20, 2019
My husband and I were both brought to tears, prayers, and moments of silence when we were reminded that James and Jo Ann had returned to the Lord seven years ago. The student/young adult group that we were members of in the late 60's has remained in our hearts all these years. The love that James taught us along with the sharing of feelings and talking out of problems has remained a staple of our relationship. On July 4th of 2020 Curtis and I will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss. I thank the Lord and James for guiding us all along the way. Lord, I ask you to please hold Marcella, John, and James and their families as blessings and their parents always watching over them until we all meet again. Amen
Diane Miner
Student
August 19, 2019
Curtis Miner
Student
August 19, 2019
Offering my sincere condolences to the Family, may you find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14
JT
July 1, 2017
Deepest Condolences to the Eckels Family. I was classmates with Jimmy at South School in Andover, and I returned to Andover at live 2 houses away from 125. I was home the day of the accident, and my heart broke when I heard who was involved. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time
Sajini Shetty
September 10, 2012
When I was a struggling 19 year old who had just flunked out of my first year of college, Jim was the major influence in turning my life around. He was "just what the doctor ordered." I will forever be greatful. Don Moore, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Don Moore
August 24, 2012
I met Jim through the Andover-Newton cluster and certification meetings in the late 1970's. He was a respected supervisor and while I lost touch with him, I am filled with sadness at this tragic accident. My heart reaches out to Marcella, Jim and John.
Mary Coffey, retired CPE Supervisor
Mary Coffey
August 24, 2012
We were blessed to know both Jim and JoAnn in the 1960s, while living in Boston. We met Jim while I [Janice] was involved with the Student Group at the Old South Church in Boston. Jim was an extremely positive influence in my life, and performed our wedding ceremony in 1970 in the Gordon Chapel of Old South Church.
Our deepest sympathies, and may God be with you all.
Janice [Elliott] and George Hillman
August 23, 2012
Jim was a guide along my path of growing up. My husband and I were part of the young adult fellowship that he led in the late 60's. Jim actually introduced me to my husband and later when we married, he traveled to RI to perform our ceremony with our local pastor. Jim and Joann have always had a very special place in our hearts. While we all had moved on the values he shared with us and the guidance he gave to us will remain forever a large part of our lives. We are so saddened that you have to lose both of them at once but we know that the Lord will keep them together in eternity.
Diane & Curtis Miner
August 23, 2012
Jim was a stimulus to my "growing up". No taller than I am but a giant in my estimation. I weep with his family.
(Rev. Dr.) Kenneth Jackson
August 23, 2012
Jim was a helpful teacher and supervisor.
Rev. Dr. Robert Henderson
August 23, 2012
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