Jim Speed of Marietta, Georgia died peacefully on April 26, 2026. He was born to James Ormond Speed Sr. and Mary Hoover Speed in Mobile, Alabama and was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a graduate of Davidson College (1953) and Columbia Theological Seminary (1957) and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1957. He received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1984.
While Jim was serving in his first call as Assistant Minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama, he met Flora McDonald at a church Bible study. They were married on August 2, 1958 and committed their lives to loving service together. Jim served as Pastor in Alexander City, Alabama before moving to Richmond, Virginia to work on the National Board of Christian Education for the Presbyterian Church. During the turbulence of the 1960’s, Jim accepted a call to serve as Pastor at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in his hometown of Birmingham (1964-1972). In his final pastoral call, he served as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia from 1972 until his retirement on January 15, 1999.
As a pastor, Jim lived out his commitment to Christ and to sharing the good news of God’s love in all that he said and did. He humbly counted it a privilege in 41 years of ministry to keep an account of 552 marriages, 495 funerals, 1,190 baptisms, and 1,740 sermons. He also led many of his church members on spiritual pilgrimages to sites of significance to the Christian faith.
He wrote to the Marietta congregation at the end of his ministry: “In ways beyond counting, standing in your pulpit Sunday after Sunday, being with most of you in times of sickness and trouble, helping you celebrate the happy events and simply being allowed to love you and receive your love has been my joy for all these years.”
Jim’s service extended into the greater community of Cobb County and beyond. He served on the Board of Trustees of Columbia Theological Seminary, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, and Presbyterian College. He was a long-time member of the Marietta Rotary Club and served a term as President. He served on various other boards in the Marietta community and held numerous positions of responsibility for his presbyteries and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), including significant service on the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission. He encouraged First Presbyterian to host many years of Christmas International House (for international students). He participated in A Christian Ministry in the National Parks during his seminary days and served on its board for decades. He and Flora enjoyed two summer pulpit exchanges with the Rev. Bill Buchan of Kilwinning Abbey Church in Ayrshire, Scotland. Jim was a proud Eagle Scout and supported scouting throughout his life, including several 10-day Philmont Scout Ranch hikes with young Scouts and Explorers of Troop 252.
After retirement, Jim’s pastoral sensibilities continued. He served on the development staff of Columbia Theological Seminary, preached frequently, helped charter a new congregation in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and eventually returned to First Presbyterian Church to sing with the Chancel Choir.
Most importantly, Jim lived a life full of constant love for his wife, Flora, and for his four children. He was steady and steadfast, quick with a hug or the offer of counsel. He eagerly planned family vacations, packed and drove station wagons all over the country, and made up silly stories to tell around the campfire. In later years, he enjoyed traveling and gardening with Flora, reading, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. He gave patient and practical help to his children with home projects and party preparations and delighted in keeping up with his six grandchildren. It has been our great joy to love him and receive his love for all these years.
Jim is survived by his children Beth Kindred (Doug), Mary Langford (David), Sarah McTyre (Andrew), and Todd Speed (Melanie); his grandchildren Bill Langford (Bayli), Hall Speed, John Speed, Mac Speed, Mary Kindred, and Luke Speed; his great grandchildren Declan and Brooks Langford; and his brother-in-law, Jim McDonald (Robin) and his children James McDonald (Whitney) and Frances Reynolds (John) and their families.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia on Friday, May 1, at 2pm with a time for visitation following the service.
In lieu of flowers, you may send memorial gifts to First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church St #1629, Marietta, GA 30060, for either the “James O. Speed and Flora M. Speed Legacy Fund for Seminarians” or the general memorial fund of First Presbyterian Church.