Rev. John Mahlon Eidam Jr.

The Reverend John M. Eidam, Jr., a devoted servant of God and beloved member of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, passed away on September 21, 2025. He was born on July 1, 1948, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to John M. Eidam, Sr. and Jeanette M. (Bechtel) Eidam. John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janet M. Black and her husband Raymond, and his brother-in-law Terry Kuhns.

John was always loving and caring and had a mischievous glimmer in his eye from a young age, a sign of the vibrant spirit and humor that would define his life. In his younger years he was a boy scout and enjoyed playing baseball and running cross country. He graduated from Mt. Penn High School and West Chester University and began his career as an elementary school physical education teacher. However, a higher calling later led him on a new path.

In 1987, John moved his family to Alexandria, Virginia, to attend Virginia Theological Seminary. Following his graduation in 1990, he was ordained on September 28, 1991. John then embarked on a fulfilling journey of service, first at Christ Episcopal Church in Plano, Texas, and later as the Assistant Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1997, he became the beloved Rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, where he was affectionately known as "Papa John." He retired in 2020 after more than two decades of dedicated ministry.

John was widely known for his infectious sense of humor and generous spirit. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life-cooking, eating, fishing, bible study and spending cherished time with parishioners, family and friends.

He is survived by his sisters Jeannie Martin and her husband Dave, Jacquie Lash and her husband Mark, and Judy Kuhns. His memory will also be cherished by his daughter Kristy Pickurel and her sons Jacob and Justin, and his son Todd Eidam and his wife Stephanie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, Saturday, October 18th at 2 pm. Donations can be made in John's memory to the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund (Norfolk, VA), the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, or The LOT Project (Anderson, SC).