Timothy Jay Burkholder

Dr. Timothy Jay Burkholder passed away on July 24th, 2024, at 9:45 a.m. at the age of 83 in Jackson, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family.

Tim was born on January 15, 1941 in Smithville, OH. He was the son of Virgil and Margaret Burkholder. Tim was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Margaret Burkholder, and brothers Jack and Larry Burkholder. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Williamson Burkholder, Daughters: Joleen (Matt) Hurt of Spring Arbor, MI, Alison (Jim) Robinson of Carmel, IN and Son: Drew (Angie) Burkholder of Indianapolis, IN. Tim has 7 loving grandchildren: Caleb (Bridgette) Hurt, Makayla Hurt, Chelsea Hurt, Halle Robinson, Kayleigh Robinson, Charlotte Burkholder, and Grayson Burkholder. His sisters include Jan (Darrel) Smith of Punxsutawney, PA, Sharon Haggard of Bluffton, OH, and Cheryl (Hugh) Davis of Columbus, OH.

Tim and Carolyn were married on August 8th, 1964, in Peoria, IL. Tim graduated from Taylor University in 1963 with a BA in Chemistry and Zoology where he was the class president his senior year. He also played on the baseball and basketball teams all 4 years at Taylor. After graduating from Taylor, he went on to pursue his graduate degree at Ohio State University. After he graduated from OSU, he then went on to teach Biology at Wooster High School from 1965-1967. While in Wooster, Tim coached J.V. football, Freshman Basketball and was the Baseball head coach. In 1967, the Lord called Tim to go back to Ohio State University to finish his Ph.D. In 1970 after completing his degree, Tim and Carolyn returned to Taylor University in Upland, IN where he taught in the Biology Dept. from 1970-2010, teaching courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, Ornithology, Animal Physiology, Cell Biology, Human Nutrition and General Biology. During his teaching, he was the department chairman from 1983-1999. From 1981-2012, Tim was a visiting professor in the summer months at AuSable Institute in Mancelona, MI, teaching entomology and ornithology. He also was a leader on several Wandering Wheels trips on the west coast where he enjoyed teaching about the American Southwest and Marine Life. Tim was also very involved with the Taylor athletic department and programs. In 2021 he was inducted into the Taylor Athletic Hall of Fame. Tim was the timekeeper at all home basketball games from 1970-2021. He was also the Taylor University Faculty Athletic Representative from 1981-2008.

Tim was an active member of the Upland Community Church. He served the church as a Deacon on the church board, worked with Helping Hands, was a Kid's Hope mentor and helped when needed in the Sunday School Class with his wife Carolyn.

Tim loved life! His caring, vibrant personality and love for others was evident wherever Tim went. Most of all, Tim loved his Savior Jesus Christ which was evident in every part of his life. Tim loved his family, friends, students, and so many others. Tim's life Scripture was Matthew 6:33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. We are thankful for the hope and faith in Jesus Christ that Tim had! Today his life is truly just beginning as he is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be held this Saturday, July 27th, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. with a celebration of life service following at 12:00 p.m. at the Upland Community Church. Burial will take place at Jefferson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Upland Community Church or the Dr. Tim and Carolyn Burkholder pre-med scholarship at Taylor University.

Arrangements for Tim have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.