James William Geer

Reverand James William Geer (Jim), 89 of Blairsville passed away on August 19th, 2025.

Jim was born on July 2nd, 1936, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Norris Quay Geer and Gladys Wiggins Geer. He pastored churches for 45 years and graduated from Stetson University in Deland, FL in 1958 with a degree in theology and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX in 1961. He married his wife of 55 years, Barbara (nee’ Motes), on August 16th, 1970, in Brunswick, GA.

Throughout his life, Jim was a dedicated Baptist minister, pastoring churches in Texas, Florida, and Georgia. He had a unique gift for preaching and taught all ages of Sunday School and Bible studies; his dedication in studying scripture and then providing the fruits of that study to his churches was one of his own sources of joy. Jim drove countless miles to visit people in hospitals and in their homes, ensuring that their ministerial and physical needs were met and to show the love of Christ. He came to Blairsville with his family in 1983 to serve as the pastor of the Choestoe Baptist Church, a position he held for 20 years. His dedication to serving his Lord was foremost in his mind, and his work to furthering God’s Kingdom was his lifelong passion.

In addition to being a local pastor, Jim was also a chaplain in the United States Navy. He was on active duty from 1967 to 1970, and served in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division from 1967-1968, base chaplain at Naval Air Station Glynco, Brunswick, GA, and with Destroyer Squadron 9, Long Beach, CA. He transitioned from active duty to the Naval reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1987.

In addition to his years of ministry, Jim was involved with community television, producing Common Cup Community Television which presented religious, community interest, and high school sports programming. Jim was a natural artist, easily creating drawings, carvings, and had a special affinity for stained glass. He spent hours with his sons over the years throwing footballs, building bike tracks, and creating forts. Jim enjoyed watching college football and spending time with his family, and his deep love and interest in his grandchildren was his constant focus in later life. He also loved his wife completely. She was Jim’s source of calm, and they laughed together and created a life that can be an inspiration to all.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his sons Drew and Mark, their wives, children, and his three sisters.