Dr. James "Jimmy" L. Pirkle

James Lester Pirkle, Jr, M.D., “Jimmy”, passed away peacefully in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on April 8, 2026, in hospice care and supported by his loving wife and family.

Jimmy graduated from Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Biology with Highest Honors in 1999 and his M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2003, Cum Laude, Alpha Omega Alpha. He has practiced nephrology since completing specialty training at Vanderbilt in 2009, with the last 14 years being at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Jimmy would say that the most important thing in his life was to serve Jesus, whom he loved. Jimmy supported the Young Life Christian ministry for teenagers throughout his adult life. Those who knew him were familiar with how much of Jesus' character was evident in the way he cared for his patients and interacted with others. He was a loving and Godly man.

You could not talk with Jimmy long without hearing about his family and what they were doing. He had a special love for his wife, and he would often say how proud he was of each of his three boys. A former soccer player and avid fan, he coached each of his boys’ soccer teams for many years. Many evenings at his house featured pickup soccer games in the backyard with his boys and neighborhood friends, with Jimmy in the middle of it all. His home was often the hub of activity for kids and young people, exactly the way he wanted it.

He was a staunch supporter of his boys’ playing soccer and swimming. Maddox played for the Mount Tabor High School soccer team, and the Tabor varsity boys honored Jimmy in one game shortly after he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. He would cheer on the team amid other parents and occasionally comment on how the referee failed to spot a foul that adversely affected the Tabor team. Jimmy treasured time spent with Stephanie supporting Maddox, Asher, and Avram at soccer games and swim meets, followed by a good dinner out that included a rehashing of the details of the recent contest.

As a nephrologist, Jimmy was recognized as a brilliant and deeply respected physician. Doctors working with him regarded him as a cherished colleague and often a dear friend. He worked especially hard to ensure that the nephrology fellows’ program was strengthened and maintained a high standard of excellence.

Dr. Pirkle was an excellent teacher. He was honored five times with the School of Medicine Master Teacher Award. Many medical students, residents, and fellows speak highly of his influence on their careers. Jimmy’s favorite part of nephrology was helping and interacting with patients. He shared once that about a third of his patients prayed for him during their office visits as he was battling cancer. He was a thorough, caring physician, and his patients appreciated him for it.

Jimmy loved music and played the piano and guitar. He had great pride and found solace in listening to Avram play the piano. In recent years he dedicated his time and talent being the disc jockey during swim meets at his neighborhood pool (Peacehaven). He labored over a now-famous playlist of songs that often had the kids dancing while waiting in line to swim their events. 

He purchased powerful speakers with a strong amplifier and capable music-control electronics to provide the right sound (including ample bass) tailored to different parts of swimming events. He spent significant time transporting and setting up the entire sound system for every home meet.

Jimmy published a book, Afflictions, which was released on Amazon only two days before he passed. He wrote the book while in the midst of difficult times with chemotherapy. He felt that the Lord wanted him to share of Jesus’ faithfulness even when outward circumstances seem overwhelming.

Left to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 24 years, Stephanie; three sons Maddox, Asher, and Avram; parents Jim and Helen Pirkle; two sisters Kathryn Harrell and Leslie Yates; and a brother Stephen Pirkle.

Jimmy will be sorely missed. Before he passed, he said he had confidence that God knows what is best and that he had placed his life in God’s hands. In his last days, Jimmy was clear that he would be going on before us to a blessed place with his Lord, waiting for us to come see him, never again to be separated.

A visitation will be held to celebrate his life on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Salem Chapel. A private family graveside service will be held in Georgia.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Dr. James Pirkle.