Southeastern Mourns the Passing of Dr. Jim Shaddix
Mary Asta Mountain | February 03, 2025
Southeastern Seminary and Judson College remember the late Dr. Jim Shaddix, senior professor of preaching, W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching, and senior fellow for the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership. Dr. Shaddix went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 1, 2025, following a hard yet hope-filled battle with brain cancer over the past year.
While the Southeastern community deeply mourns Dr. Shaddix’s passing, we rejoice in knowing that his faith has become sight in the presence of his Savior and that he rests in full and everlasting joy.
Over the course of more than 40 years of ministry, including 12 years of teaching at Southeastern, Dr. Shaddix left an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals. As a champion of prayer and expository preaching, Dr. Shaddix first and foremost sought God’s glory as he mentored young pastors, shepherded congregations, and taught thousands of students how to exposit the word of God with humility and faithfulness. He was deeply passionate about the character of the pastor and the preparation of preaching God’s word, and in his life he faithfully modeled what he taught.
“Jim Shaddix was a unique and precious gift to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Southeastern President Danny Akin. “He was also a much loved and cherished friend. He was a great teacher and preacher of the Bible. He was an unbelievable mentor and disciple maker. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Simply put, he was a man of God and a faithful servant of King Jesus. I will miss him tremendously. But I am also comforted by the fact that I will see him again.”
In his final days on earth, Dr. Shaddix’s heart for the gospel, the local church, and the Great Commission remained steadfast as he sought to encourage others with the word of truth and equip young men for pastoral ministry. Through the valley of the shadow of death, he and his beloved wife, Debra, demonstrated deep trust in the Lord and in his sovereignty. Southeastern is profoundly grateful for the influence they have had on this community and the lives of the many they have invested in.
In Dr. Shaddix’s honor, Southeastern has created a memorial page where visitors can share memories of him and read more of his story and the tremendous work that God has done in and through his life.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, at 1 p.m. in Binkley Chapel. Following the funeral, there will be a floating reception in the Jacumin-Simpson rotunda.