Add a Memory
Make a Donation
J. Ramsey Michaels
1931 - 2020
J. Ramsey Michaels
1931 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
J. Ramsey Michaels Obituary
Hamilton, MA - J. Ramsey Michaels, 88, of Hamilton and formerly Portsmouth, NH, died January 18, 2020. He was born in Skaneateles, NY on May 1, 1931.
Ramsey was a theologian, a New Testament scholar, and ordained minister who for many years was a professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Southwest Missouri State University. He continued to teach occasionally as an adjunct professor at Bangor Theological Seminary in Portland, Maine, and as a visiting professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Author of numerous scholarly books, he is perhaps best known for his commentary on John which is a replacement volume in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series. He also published commentary on the works of Flannery O’Connor.
He is predeceased by his wife Betty L. Michaels and is survived by his four children, Carolyn Kerr of Hamilton, MA, Linda Donahue of Dallas,TX, David Michaels of Stoneham, MA, Ken Michaels of Jamaica Plain, MA; his nine grandchildren, William, Renee, Grace, Michael, Luke, Kyle, Stephen, Zoey and Jakob, and two great-grandsons, Theo and Abraham.
Ramsey graduated from Princeton University and went on to Grace Theological Seminary in Michigan where he met his wife Betty. He then got his Th.D. from Harvard Divinity School. He spent sabbaticals in Germany, Israel and England, and traveled throughout Europe. He was a member of Middle Street Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, skiing, travel, palindromes and telling jokes. He was also a 1970 table tennis champion on a Nieuw Amsterdam ocean liner voyage.
A memorial service will be held at the Middle Street Baptist Church, Court Street, Portsmouth on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Middle Street Baptist Church, 18 Court St, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
.
9 Entries
Karen Koffink
February 4, 2020
My father, Dick Kaplan, met Ramsey when they volunteered together at IMEC in North Andover. They were opposites in many ways, but respected each other and enjoyed each other's company. After they retired from IMEC, they would meet monthly for lunch at the Country View Restaurant in Greenland. My father will miss him and is thinking of you and your family.
Jim Hoover
February 2, 2020
I remember Ramsey fondly as one of my NT professors at Gordon Conwell as well as one of the contributors to the IVP New Testament Commentary series, which I edited.
Cherie S
January 28, 2020
I studied with Ramsey at Bangor Theological Seminary. I appreciated greatly his knowledge and loved his smile and sense of humor. I am very sad to read of his passing.
Cherie S.
Kathy Pulley
January 28, 2020
Ramsey was an outstanding friend and colleague here at Missouri State. He gave such depth to the phrase a gentleman and a scholar. He was always both, and I might add gracious, humble, and there was that keen sense of humor. Our faculty and students were blessed to be able to add a scholar of his caliber to our university. We were also blessed to be able to add a principled man with such integrity. He and Betty quietly went about being the best of neighbors on campus and in our community. I am grateful that our paths crossed.
How you can show support
Ed Glenny
January 28, 2020
I mainly know Ramsey Michaels through his commentary on 1 Peter, which I appreciate very much and recently recommended. I am thankful for his theological perspective and precision, and I plan to use his commentary again this week. He left a great legacy in his writings that complements his personal influence and family.
Glenn Miller
January 27, 2020
J. Ramsey Michael taught part time at Bangor Theological Seminary. His students praised the clarity of his classes, his devotion to the Biblical text, and his Christian spirit. His colleagues respected his learning and willingness to do what was needed to strengthen our offerings. His course on Hebrews had an unusual depth. He held the attention of his classes as he demonstrated the value of close and historically sensitive exegesis. Bangor was a small seminary, and Professor Michaels added to the diversity of theological positions we were able to offer our students and through them the churches of Maine. Glenn Miller, formerly Academic Dean, and Waldo Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Emeritus
Bob Hodgson
January 27, 2020
I had the privilege of serving as a New Testament colleague of Ramsey during his tenure at Missouri State University. He and wife Betty were caring, gracious people whose home provided a venue for many social and academic occasions. They left their mark on many communities--church, university, town, academic.
Jane Terry
January 27, 2020
Dr. Michaels taught for many years at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), and while I arrived here too late to know him except for occasional e-mails, he is fondly remembered and highly regarded by our faculty, alumni, and community here. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
Carol Matthews
January 23, 2020
Ramsey and Betty will be a part of our lives forever. Thanks for sharing them for so many years. Victor and Carol Matthews
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Make a Donation
in J. Ramsey Michaels's name
How to support J. Ramsey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor J. Ramsey Michaels's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more