James Dale Dwiggins

On September 16, 2023, Dr. James Dale (Jim) Dwiggins peacefully entered into eternity with Jesus Christ. Born in 1934 to Clarence and Mary Dwiggins in Chandler, Arizona, Jim’s time on earth was full, expansive and brimming with adventure. After graduating from Chandler High School, he played basketball at California Baptist College before moving into the boxing arena. Following a career as a professional boxer, he served as a United States Marine and was stationed at the American Embassy in Mexico City when he accepted God’s call to full-time vocational ministry. After marrying his beloved wife Marilyn, with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage, Jim attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and went on to earn his doctorate of ministry. Jim faithfully pastored many churches for over fifty years, including Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta. While Jim was known for his great physical strength, commanding presence, his charm and wit, it was his ability to explain scripture in a clear, uncompromising fashion that served as his most special gift. He taught a premillennial, pre-tribulation, and dispensational return of Christ, and many have credited his preaching and influence with positively and permanently affecting their Christian faith. After retirement, Jim and Marilyn settled in Cumming, Georgia, where they enjoyed their church community and where Jim remained a faithful fan of many Atlanta sports teams, hardly missing a basketball, baseball, or football game on television. He lived his last years in the Brookdale Senior Living community and continued to build relationships and enjoy friendly competition through board games. He was an avid sports fan and competitor in every way possible throughout his entire life. He loved his family dearly and is survived by his wife Marilyn and two daughters Cindy Strickland (Kyle) and Lisa Ingle (Jason), who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren Taylor (Allison) Strickland, Kasey Strickland, and Andrew, Timothy, Emma, and Elizabeth Ingle; and two great-grandchildren, Eason and Sutton Strickland. A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Alpharetta on Friday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m.

James Dale Dwiggins

November 20, 1934 - September 16, 2023