James Fritz Kirstein

Captain James Fritz Kirstein, CHC, USN (Ret), died Aug 26, 2022. Born May 19, 1930, in Fairview, NC, he was preceded in death by father, Rev. Martin Luther Kirstein, mother, Aleatha Vera Kirstein, brother, Rev. John A Kirstein, and foster sister, Elsie Avaline Moore. James graduated from Mars Hill Junior College (1950), Baylor University (1952) and Southwestern Baptist Seminary (1956). James married Mary Phyllis Russell in 1957 and they had three children, Laura Lee Lynn (Greg Lynn), born 1959, Charles Martin Kirstein, born 1960, and Heather Lyn Mariotti (Michael Mariotti), born 1965. They are blessed with 10 grandchildren, James (Keri), Evan, Gabriel (Leah), Jordan (Camille), Owen, Alexander, Simon, Tony, Stuart, Michelle and 4 great grandchildren, Colton, Eden, Remy and Zoe. He served as pastor of three churches in Florida and North Carolina (1957-1966) before his accession as a Navy Chaplain (1966). While in the Navy, he pursued graduate studies in interpersonal communications and relationships at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA, and University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI. He used these skills to serve all Sailors and Marines regardless of their religious preference. James pursued a very fulfilling career as a Navy Chaplain, 1966-1992. He served over two years total time in combat in Vietnam, and six years at sea aboard numerous ships or deployed with Marine units. Thirteen of his 25 years were as chaplain of Marines with whom he was very proud to be associated. He achieved Senior/Command Chaplain status, and was awarded 14 decorations, the highest of which was Legion of Merit. James and Mary, a marvelous Navy Wife, have been married 65 years and have lived in Deland since his retirement. He was a Private Pilot (SEL) with aerobatic rating, and a skilled sailor of single-hander sailboats (under 19’). Funeral arrangements are with The Allen Summerhill Funeral Home in Deland Fl on September 8th. 2022 with Visitation at 1:00pm and a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm, followed by a light reception at 1350 S. Blue Lake Ave, Deland Fl. Interment will occur at the National Cemetery in Canaveral, FL on September 9th. 2022 at 11:00 am.

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