Disciples of Christ Historical Society mourns the loss of president emeritus James M. Seale on Sunday, June 27, 2010 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky at age 79. Jim was a devoted historian and great supporter of the Historical Society in addition to being a minister and author.

James M. Seale, a native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, studied at Lexington Theological Seminary and Transylvania University. He was ordained in 1951 at Pond Christian Church in Madison County, Kentucky.  Seale held many pastorates throughout his life and served as president of the Christian Church in Kentucky.

He served on many boards including the general board of managers of the Disciples’ United Christian Missionary Society; board of trustees of Lexington Theological Seminary; board of directors of the Christian Church Homes of Kentucky; and the board of directors of the Cane Ridge Preservation Project. He was also an active member in the Kiwanis Club.

In December of 1983 Jim began his service as president of Disciples of Christ Historical Society.  Jim was a champion for preserving Disciples’ history and the documents and objects held in the T.W. Phillips Memorial Archive.

Jim retired in 1995 and enjoyed many years of travel and time with his family.

Jim was an author who wrote, A Century of Faith Caring and Forward from the Past as well as numerous articles for journals and publications.

He is survived by his wife Mary Dudley; children Allan Seale and Anne Lynne Hazelrigg; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on June 29 at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Nathan Brown and the Rev. Dr. Donald Nunnelly officiating.