The Rev. Dr. James M. Eckels attended Duke University for his undergraduate work, received his M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary, earned an M.A. from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, an M.Ed. from Northeastern University, and his S.T.M. and D. Min. from Andover Newton Theological School. He was ordained by the Baltimore Presbytery and served churches in East Baltimore, Bolivar and Bethel before coming to Old South Church in Boston, where he served as Minster to Students from 1965 - 69.

Concurrent to his service at Old South, Jim ministered at Boston State Hospital and Danvers State Hospital, continuing to work in Danvers until 1977. He had been a licensed psychologist in private practice since 1962. A certified chaplain supervisor since 1969, Jim was a diplomate of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.  Jim was honored at the Massachusetts Conference Annual Meeting in 2009 for having served 50 years as an ordained minister.

Jim was married to Jo Ann Eckels, with whom he had three children and two grandchildren. Jim and Jo Ann died together in an automobile accident en route to a family vacation.  For more information, please visit this website:   eagletribune