Memorial for James L. Blizzard
March 2nd, 2023, Dr. James L. Blizzard entered the presence of his Lord and Savior. In his 89th year, he leaves a legacy and a testimony for Christ. Jim was born in New London, CT, on September 9th, 1934. He spent most of his childhood in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with plans to join the Coast Guard. His desire changed on a life-altering day in October 1951. Classmates invited Jim to a meeting of a Christian Student body, which he attended but sat in the very back. Later that evening, Jim accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the next 71 years, he followed wherever the Lord led him.
Against his parents' wishes, Jim decided to pursue the ministry and attend Columbia Bible College. While studying there, Jim made two significant decisions. First, he met the love of his life, Gerda. They were married in 1956, and the years only added to their love. The Lord called Gerda home in July 2010. Together, they had five children, 23 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren. Jim's second major decision while at Columbia was to join the Bible Presbyterian Church and attend Faith Theological Seminary. He resolved to stand firmly upon the Word of God and during 65+ years of ministry, he never wavered.
His presence will be greatly missed because of his faithful involvement at every level of the Bible Presbyterian Church. Dr. Blizzard always brought with him to any situation a feeling of urgency - that now is the time to act, the day is far spent, we must not tarry getting on with the work of the Lord. It was not an overbearing feeling but a compelling one matched with a steadfast love for the Lord and His Word. At one time or another, he served on all the approved agencies and was heavily involved in presbytery meetings, camps, youth conventions, and the General Synod. He served as moderator of the Synod on three occasions. As moderators plan the theme and messages for the next Synod, Jim's themes told us about his convictions. He was also a true patriot, was concerned about the secularization of our country and would preach a yearly “State of the Union” sermon about the state of Christianity in the USA.
During his years of service, the Lord used Jim to start three churches. During his middle year of seminary, Jim started driving to Stanton, DE. This group would turn into the Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church. In 1962, Jim heard of a small group in Knoxville, TN, that wanted to start a church. While in Knoxville, Jim started his first camp ministry of taking young people into the mountains for a time of fun and study. The Smokey Mountain Bible Conference was a result. In 1977, Jim moved to Florida and managed the Gateway to the Stars Bible Conference. During these seven years, a small group started to gather for Sunday service and a midweek prayer meeting. In 1984, this group started the Grace Bible Presbyterian Church. For the next 29 years, Jim pastored this church until his retirement in 2014. After retirement, Jim continued to find ways to serve and support the local church, the Florida Presbytery, and the General Synod.
Elected by the 46th General Synod, Dr. Blizzard selected The Year of the Bible for the next Synod. He opened by preaching from 2 Timothy 3:14, 17: "But continue thou . . . And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." In his ministry and life, Dr. Blizzard desired to live by the Book for the glory of God. As Dr. Blizzard opened the 52nd General Synod, he preached from Matthew 28, The Challenge of the Church and the Secularization of Society. The entire Synod had the theme of Teaching them all things. For the 70th General Synod, Dr. Blizzard crafted the theme: The Foundation: Jesus Christ. The messages centered around the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In his opening address, he preached, "Let us not be vague and undogmatic concerning the doctrine of the church, which includes the person of Jesus Christ."
May the Lord raise up men like Dr. James L. Blizzard. Men willing to follow Christ's call upon their lives and stand clearly upon God's truth for God's glory.
Passed and adopted by the 86th General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church, meeting August 3-7, 2023, in Greeneville, Tennessee.