James E. Folts

The Right Reverend

James Edward Folts
Bishop of West Texas
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseWest Texas
ElectedOctober 2, 1993
In office1996-2006
PredecessorJohn H. MacNaughton
SuccessorGary Lillibridge
Previous post(s)Coadjutor Bishop of West Texas (1994-1995)
Orders
OrdinationJanuary 1966
by Richard Earl Dicus
ConsecrationFebruary 17, 1994
by Edmond L. Browning
Personal details
Born (1940-03-11) March 11, 1940 (age 84)
DenominationAnglican
SpouseSandra Pauline Johnston
Children2

James Edward Folts (born March 11, 1940) was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, serving from 1996 to 2006.

Early life and education

Folts was born on March 11, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas. He studied at Trinity University in San Antonio, after which he enrolled at the Virginia Theological Seminary from where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1965. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary and the University of the South, respectively.

Ordained ministry

Folts was ordained deacon in July 1965 by Bishop Everett Holland Jones and then priest in January 1966 by Bishop Richard Earl Dicus. He married Sandra Pauline Johnston and together had two children, including Jonathan Folts who is the current Bishop of South Dakota.[1] He initially was in charge of St James' Church in Hebbronville, Texas, and Grace Church in Falfurrias, Texas until 1967.[2] In 1967 he became assistant rector of St Francis Church in Victoria, Texas and Trinity Church in Edna, Texas.[3] He also served in San Marcos, Texas and Brownsville, Texas. He was also rector of the Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas. he was also the founder of St Stephen's Church in Wimberley, Texas. Prior to his election, he was rector of St Mark's Church in San Antonio.[4]

Bishop

Folts was elected on the third ballot as coadjutor bishop of West Texas on October 2, 1993.[5] He was then consecrated on February 17, 1994, at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium by Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning.[6] He then succeeded as diocesan bishop on January 1, 1996, and remained in office until his retirement in 2006.

References

  • Episcopal Clerical Directory 2015
  1. ^ "11th Bishop of South Dakota", The Living Church, May 6, 2019. Retrieved on October 5, 2022.
  2. ^ "Ordinations". The Living Church. 151: 14. August 29, 1965.
  3. ^ "Appointments Accepted". The Living Church. 155: 22. November 5, 1967.
  4. ^ "West Texas Chooses One of its Own". The Living Church. 207: 7. October 24, 1993.
  5. ^ "People", Episcopal News Service, October 7, 1993. Retrieved on October 5, 2022.
  6. ^ "West Texas Celebrated Bishop Coadjutor". The Living Church. 208: 10. March 13, 1994.