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BORN
1933
DIED
2020
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James Buskirk Obituary
Dr. James Buskirk was founding dean of Oral Roberts University School of Theology (1976-1984) and Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Tulsa (1984-2001). He went to rest in his Lord's arms Wednesday, September 9, 2020 just days after his 87th birthday. Dr. Buskirk is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy; his son, Chris and his wife, Cheryl Buskirk of Broken Arrow; daughter, Angela Postma and her husband, Bob Postma of Cypress, Texas. He cherished his five grandchildren: Courtney, David and Jonathan Buskirk and Danielle and Ben Postma. A Life Celebration service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at First United Methodist Church, downtown Tulsa. The memorial message will be offered by his dear friend, Dr. Mark Rutland, former President of Oral Roberts University. With thanks to host pastor, Rev. Jessica Moffitt, the services will be livestreamed at http://fumctulsa.online.church and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/fumctulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts may be sent to the Jimmy Buskirk Scholarship Fund, Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390.
Ninde Funeral Directors, Brookside Chapel (918) 742-5556
www.ninde.com
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Memories and Condolences
for James Buskirk
Sponsored by Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Memorial.
Don Lucore
August 19, 2022
I just discovered Dr. Buskirk's obituary. I would like to share this precious memory.
My last semester of seminary at ORU. I signed up to go on a weekend mission with him to S. Carolina. His secretary said he already had two students committed, but she would put me on a waiting list. One of the students cancelled and on the morning I and the other student were to meet him at the airport, the other student called me to convey his regrets, but he was too sick to go. It turned out that instead of being disappointed about not going, I had the whole weekend alone with my "hero." In the process of getting acquainted, he invited me to work as a chaplain at the City of Faith. I will never forget either experience, which profoundly influenced my life and faith. I have often shared this miraculous answer to prayer at a crucial time in my life.
Al Cooper
October 9, 2020
Dr. Buskirk was my pastor as a small child in Charleston, MS. He went from that small town First United Methodist Church to become Dean of ORU!! He was always down to earth and a wonderful preacher. When I was a teenager he held a revival in Calhoun City, MS. You are now in God's presence!! Love to his family.
Dan McKay
September 29, 2020
Dr Buskirk, I am thankful I got to know you. We miss you and your friendly smile and wit. Your works here on earth continue even though you've gone home. You left a wonderful legacy . Thank you for being my friend. We love you and will see you on the other side .
John & Jan Perkins
September 28, 2020
Our families feel a special bond to this man as he was a friend of our family and eventually married us. We feel fortunate to have known his unique faith and deep understanding of God's love and plan for us. We shall be sorrowful and yet always rejoicing that Jimmy represented our Father in a personal walk daily. May his family be blessed this day by You.
John & Jan Perkins
Roy & Michelle Jimerson
September 28, 2020
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family members.
Richard Nussel
September 27, 2020
I had the joy of working for L.D. Thomas and the transition to Jimmy Buskirk under Tom Albin while in Seminary. What a blessing. He preached a sermon entitled "With Wings of Eagles" (of course many other memorable messages). Dr. Buskirk was an "Eagle" who soured with the Spirit of God. His mentorship as a Dean, a staff member, a friend has and will continue to guide my life and ministry. Peace & Blessings to Nancy, Chris & Angela and their families.
Julie Twilley
September 20, 2020
Dr. Buskirk was a wonderful man who was beloved by all who knew him. My family was greatly blessed under his ministry. I wish to extend my love to Nancy, Chris and Angela.
Julie Twilley
Deanna Hamilton Flores
September 19, 2020
Dr. Buskirk was a wonderful friend to our family. I will never forget how he comforted both of my parents, Carl and Joyce Hamilton, in the hospital at the end of their lives. I will be forever grateful for his kind and generous spirit. Heaven has a new angel for sure. Wishing all the best to his family at this difficult time.
Gordon Cuthrell
September 18, 2020
Dr. Buskirk is the greatest orator that I’ve ever heard. He had a way of touching people’s hearts and giving them a little squeeze. He was one of the most powerful men of God that I’ve ever met. Dr. Buskirk and “HIS Nancy” were an incredible couple. It was my honor to have been one of his students.
Jane Richards
September 17, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mary McCauley
September 16, 2020
My family when we were young parents with small children attended First Methodist Church. Dr. Buskirk was the Senior Pastor. We loved him and the church. We were there on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for dinner and classes. It was a wonderful blessing.
Kent Sivadge
September 16, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kurt Glassco
September 16, 2020
Dr. B was probably the most positive, affirming man I had the honor to know. He will forever be in my family’s heart. God blessed me with Jim in my life. May God comfort Nancy and their family in their time of grief.
Jeff Rash
September 15, 2020
Or heartfelt condolences to the Buskirk family. My memories of chapel at ORU and Sunday services at First Methodist of Tulsa live on because of his sermons and hilarious and perfectly delivered stories. Chris and family we will be praying for all of you during this time.
Thomson Mathew
September 14, 2020
Dr. Buskirk hired me as a chaplain at the City of Faith Hospital in 1981 and soon became a well-wisher and mentor. He served as a trusted advisor later when I became the fifth dean of the ORU seminary (2000-2016) where his legacy as founding dean remained alive and well. I am forever grateful for our private prayer moments. What a privilege it has been to be impacted by a life that was an incarnational presence of Jesus!
Thomson Mathew
Genie McPherson Durden
September 13, 2020
I loved him and sung first for his meeting at Blue Lake Assembly in Alabama probably 40 years ago. Then here in Meridian for The Confessing Movement gathering at the District Office probably 10 years ago. I also would see and hear him often as I would attend Oral Robert’s Convention each year for many years.
I remember one night at Blue Lake he took a walk after the service with a young man to talk.....and when they returned, he told me the young man had accepted Jesus.
What a life!!!
BTW, My husband and I have been monthly Asbury Seminary supporters for many years.
Fr. Matt Gerlach
September 13, 2020
Dr. Buskirk joins with the giants of Tulsa Christianity, including my mentor, Msgr. James Halpine, in the halls of heaven! May he rest in peace!
Linda Pettingill
September 13, 2020
What a Giant of Faith and a man Full of God’s precious Love. He touched many lifes. My heartfelt sympathy to Beautiful Nancy and Chris and Angela and family... We will all celebrate his legacy! In His Love: Linda & Dave Pettingill
Janie Ganyard
September 13, 2020
Very special man!! Live to the family. Praying for all of you!
Loretta Wilcox
September 12, 2020
Great follower/teacher of Jesus Christ. Will always remember those anointed sermons that made me want to know Jesus better. Blessed my life.
Roy Pike
September 12, 2020
Rev. Dr. James Buskirk was my sponsor and my supervisor in 1981 when we opened the City of Faith. I was the Associate Director of the Prayer Partner Ministries in the Clinic. I share with the more than 25 other Chaplains our gratitude for his Leadership in ministry to thousands of Gods people. Farewell to our brother who now goes to be with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. "Farewell good and faithful servant." Rev. Dr. Roy Escott Pike
Bill Nash
September 12, 2020
A great gentleman and friend.
Mary Barnes
September 12, 2020
Dr. Jim Buskirk was an incredible man of God as well as a good friend. Our loss is Heaven's gain. RIP Dr. B.
Julie Higginbotham
September 11, 2020
As a student at ORU when Dr Buskirk was the Dean, he had a great impact on me with his inspiring sermons and love for Jesus. I will remember him as a giant of the faith! Heavenly celebration for sure!
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