James R. Sursavage, 77, known by most as Jim, of The Villages, Fla., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at UF Hospital in Leesburg, Fla., after a brief illness.
Born in the beautiful town of Andrews, N.C., in the Appalachian Mountains, on Nov. 21, 1948, he was the youngest child of the late Joseph George and Ruth Russell Sursavage.
Jim was the kindest man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to many. He was known by his love, kindness and generosity to family, friends and strangers. His faith was important to him. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life sharing love with everyone he met.
Raised in the mountains of North Carolina he loved the beauty surrounding him. He had a happy childhood and loved his parents, sister and brother. He attended Andrews High School graduating in 1967. He was a star athlete and played football at the high school. He attended his beloved Clemson University graduating in 1970. He played varsity football there as a tight end and linebacker. Team members wondered how a guy as nice as Jim could hit so hard. He won numerous awards at Clemson including All-ACC academic and was a captain of the 1970 football team.
Jim began his career in Atlanta at the Federal Reserve Bank. He also worked at C&S Bank. He began his career in the software industry at MSA in 1980 and followed in several other companies. He was a customer service executive. He worked hard to ensure customers were satisfied. He made numerous lifelong friendships through his work.
In 1979, his son, Russell Kirkland, was born which brought lifelong love and joy to his life. He married Mary Kay Akridge in 1989. They had a 37 years long loving relationship. Mary had two sons and a daughter. Jim loved them and became a very caring stepfather to them.
Jim loved God’s nature. He enjoyed all seasons but especially the fall when the mountains became so colorful. He hiked many trails throughout the mountains including many miles on the Appalachian Trail. He loved to find glorious waterfalls.
Fishing was a special passion of his. He loved to fish for trout in a clear mountain stream. He could find a beautiful trout in the smallest hole in a stream.
He loved going to church and worshipping the Lord. He liked to be part of the church by attending Sunday School and bible studies. He founded the Faithful Men Bible study group in Atlanta in 1995, which still meets every Friday. He enjoyed joining them online until he passed. He shared his faith with many family members, friends, colleagues and strangers throughout his lifetime.
He loved to help people. Two wonderful examples are when he donated a car to a person in the church who was in need and another time when he saw a man in a wheelchair struggling up a hill, he stopped his car, put the wheelchair in the trunk and took him to his destination. The man was a wounded veteran and was thankful for his help. His life was spent helping others every day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph (Butch) Sursavage; sister, Katherine Holman; brother-in-law, Arthur Holman; and niece, Jan Holman.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Sursavage; a son, Russell Kirkland of Atlanta, Ga.; two stepsons, Tom Callahan and Jon Callahan, both of The Villages, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Amy Juhala of Sioux Falls, S.D.; six grandchildren Josh Callahan, Andrew Callahan, Rachel Vietmeier, Stephen Callahan and Mara Callahan, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Luke Callahan of Fla.; three precious great-grandchildren, Daisy Vietmeier, Parker Callahan and Everett Haar; his sister-in-law, Mary Sursavage of Waynesville, N.C.; nephews, Bud (Tammy)Holman and Mark Sursavage; nieces, Shannon “Fig” Holman and partner Erica Harris; and Karen Sursavage.; and by many beloved friends and relatives.
Jim will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Mount Pisgah Church, 2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022. A reception will follow.
Memorial donations may be made to Venezuela Now.Org. A Christian Ministry supporting the Global Methodist Church in Venezuela by training church leaders, planting churches; and providing food, clothing and healthcare to the needy in Venezuela.