Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

James Francis STRANGE

About

Drew University Rice University University of South Florida

FUNERAL HOME

Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Terrace Oaks Chapel

12690 North 56th Street

Tampa, Florida

James STRANGE Obituary

STRANGE, James Francis

died peacefully in his home March 23, 2018, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lillian Carolyn Midkiff Strange, whom he courted at Rice University; children, Mary Elizabeth Strange (Chris Bertaut), James Riley Strange (Laura), Katherine Alexandra Strange Burke (Aaron), Joanna Carissa Strange (Jonathan Tischio); one granddaughter and five grandsons. He was born on February 2, 1938 in Pampa, Texas to Floyd Thomas Burchfield and Beuna Vista Burchfield (ne;e Frost), and was adopted by his mother's second husband, Jerry Donald Strange. His beloved older sisters, Mary Lynn Jones and Thomasine McKenna predeceased him. He taught at the University of South Florida in Tampa for 46 years. He considered his work as a biblical archaeologist to be a divine calling. A prolific scholar and teacher, he taught innumerable students in his undergraduate and graduate courses. For the same length of time, he taught Sunday School and sang in the bass section of the choir of Bayshore Baptist Church in Tampa, which he loved no less than his academic work. He loved his family, church, students, and colleagues deeply, and is loved and missed by people all over the world. A Memorial Service will be held at Bayshore Baptist Church on April 28 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Bayshore Baptist Church, LifePath Hospice, or The Strange-Midkiff Fellowships at ASOR. Words of comfort may be expressed online at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Mar. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James STRANGE

Sponsored by Lillian Weaver, A Student.

15 Entries

Kathleen Hollar

September 1, 2024

A letter from James (Jim) has just resurfaced from a box needing to be opened. He wrote a beautiful letter of condolence 35 years ago to me and my now grown children. My husband John Hollar, editor at Fortress Press, had died unexpectedly at the age of 47. Jim included a poem that he wrote in memory of John. It has even more meaning now even after so many years. Thank you. I wish I had had the privilege of knowing him.

Lillian Weaver

July 26, 2018

I'm late on learning Dr. Strange passed away. I'm so sorry.

I personally know for fact there was an angel inside of him. Once in the Dead Sea Scrolls class I walked up to the front of the classroom with a meager question, and he placed his right hand on my left shoulder. It felt as if I was touched by an angel. I have even discussed this experience with others.

Dr. Strange was a master in the teachings of Jesus. He touched many, many lives on very personal levels. He was genuinely concerned and made each student feel good about their work. After students knew their paper had a grade, he would walk into the classroom and say, "I have read each one of your papers, and I must say I enjoyed reading them, some more than others, hm. He has made me want to be a better person, to be humbler, to be rich in happiness. I can hear his voice still saying to me, (the entire class)," Hm, let's read some more." I really miss him. I miss his stories. I miss hearing his lectures. I trusted him enough to visit his office to talk with him when I was having very, very serious personal difficulties. It is because of Dr. Strange that I graduated on schedule. And it is because of Dr. Strange that I never want to display anger or get angry. He was more than a mentor to me. Forever in my heart.
Lillian Weaver - Religious Studies, BA.

Carroll Shephard

April 19, 2018

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Strange after meeting his wonderful, creative daughter who was a good friend of my son, Carleton. He was such a thoughtful and knowledgeable
person whom it was a pleasure to talk and visit with. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. He seemed always calm and upbeat no matter the situation. We shared debate team high school visit together to Chicago with our kids and had a great time. His family and wife are all as spirited, creative and wonderful as Jim. He death is a loss to this world. Carolyn and Joanna, you are in my thoughts and prayers, Much love, Carroll Shephard

Breya Warnstaff

April 11, 2018

Dr Strange, you will be sorely missed. I learned so much from you while on the Sepphoris, Israel Dig. So much appreciated you. Another great angel arrived in heaven.

Edward Henley

April 5, 2018

I met Jim Strange in 1981 when I was the Episcopal Chaplain at USF. I was blessed to see him throughout the years. Knowing him changed me. His presence and his wisdom were conveyed in even casual conversation. May he now live in God's presence.

Gary Marrs

April 4, 2018

It is with sadness that we must say goodbye to a man of such honor, a scholar of such dedication, a professor of such inspiration, an instructor of such patience and knowledgeable teacher of such devotion. Dr Strange and his objective approach to Religious study inspired my decision to seek a formal education in Religious Studies and Christianity from a state university rather than those universities affiliated and aligned with churches and their traditional thought. It was a decision I never regretted. It was a pleasure to accompany him to interfaith discussions, and to visit his classes at Bayshore Baptist Church. A truly remarkable teacher, his classes were characterized by an energy and reflected his passion for accuracy in his work. His contributions as an archaeologist uncovered the history of Christianity; his discoveries were the essence of his lectures, publications and contributions to the media that sought his knowledgeable but humble counsel. His work touched many lives both young and old. I am quie certain that while this extraordinary man may have departed from our midst, his loss cannot diminish the message, works, and inspirations that he ignited among his students, fellows, and colleaguesthose he often referred to as his brothers and sisters. Of a certainty, he will continue to speak through them with passion and conviction. All Hail Dr James Strange and his remarkable life. Our prayers and expressions of deepest gratitude to his loving and devoted family as they adjust to the untimely absence of their loved one, and in time, place it in meaningful perspective.

Richard Dutton

March 28, 2018

The Officers and Board of ThUSFar , The Association for Retired faculty and Staff of the University of South Florida wish to extend condolences to the family of Prof . James Strange . The University is grateful for his many years of loyal service .
For the Board , Richard Dutton,Ph.D

March 28, 2018

Jim truly was a blessing to us. Love & Prayers, Toby & Sharon Gant

James Cavendish

March 27, 2018

It was an honor for me to know Jim during his time here on earth. While I served as interim chair of Religious Studies, he provided very helpful advice. He was a wise, caring, and compassionate man who never hesitated to show his support for friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.

March 27, 2018

dear family, richard and i were so sad to learn of the passing of your husband and father. he left you a wonderful legacy to follow. he was brilliant but made everyone around him feel important. his love of arcaeology, israel, past history, family and friends as well as his openness for new ideas were legendary. we are proud to call him our friend. gerry and richard mensh

JOAN Keller

March 27, 2018

Angels move over, here he is, with his immense store of knowledge, personal trowel and patisch, he will really dig heaven, but oh, how he will be missed by all who learned so much from him,loved and respected him. May G-d grant him peace if MaryLynn allows it!

Jarrod Ali

March 26, 2018

May the soul of Dr. James F. Strange, my former professor, mentor and friend rest in peace.

Jan S. Hirschfiield, M.D.

March 26, 2018

Gwen & I mourn the passing and loss of our dear friend Jim; mentor & teacher of 'amateur' archeologists, Sepphoris '83, Jan Hirschfield, M.D.

David Overly

March 26, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about Dr. Strange's passing. I took classes from him in the 1970s. He also appears in a video that I show to my students.

Spencer Bolesta

March 26, 2018

Simply said, Jim was the greatest man I ever met. He was my academic advisor, professor, mentor, and friend. Of all the education I received from Jim, the greatest was a personal knowledge of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. The foundation he built in me educationally was what got me to where I progressed to in my work life. But, the foundation he built in me on a personal level, was so much great. Forever, I will love Jim Strange. I am so sorry for your personal loss, but grateful you will see him, again, in heaven. So many of us will, because of him. He was a great advocate for Jesus.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results