James Gordon Birnstiel, Sr, loving husband of Patricia A. Birnstiel passed away on January 11th at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland after a brief illness.
He was born June 20, 1948 to Edmund and Irene Birnstiel in Millville, NJ. Raised in Millville, he graduated MSHS class of 1968. Jim loved the Lord and was an ordained minister. He attended Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts, and graduated Penns View Bible Institute in Penns Creek, PA. Jim had also attended the University of Kentucky where he had completed post graduate work toward his Doctorate of Divinity. His first charge was Clermont, NJ followed by Calvary Church in Williamsport, PA. After Williamsport he served a church in Lehighton, PA before moving to Pensacola, FL. While in Pensacola he pastored at an Assemblies of God Church and started Sun Rise Ministries before going full time into Evangelism, which was his main focus for serving the Lord.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed sailing and going to the beach with his wife.He played the guitar and was a self taught steel guitarist. He belonged to the National Association of Christian Ministers and held an Evangelical Association membership as well. He was a licensed Ham Operator, class 2, and held a student pilot’s license. He was a member of Cumberland County Community Church.
Jim is survived by his wife Patricia, Millville; Mother, Irene Birnstiel of Vineland; son, James Birnstiel, Jr, (Shannon) of Pensacola FL; daughters Rebecca Cohen of Hazelton, PA, and Suzanne Birnstiel of Silver Hill, ALA, Stepsons, John Dastolfo (Neneth) of Millville, NJ and Brian Dastolfo (Ashley) of Vineland, NJ; two brothers, Ed (Betty) Birnstiel of Groveland, FL, and Tim (Linda) Birnstiel of Millville; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Edmund Birnstiel, grandson Connor and brother Wesley Birnstiel.
A celebration of life will be held at Cumberland County Community Church at a later date due to COVID restrictions.
Fertig Funeral Home, LLC
