Jamie William Koerts

Jamie “James” William Koerts, a devoted husband, loving father, and talented musician, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 47. His untimely passing leaves behind a legacy of music, compassion, and a deep love for his family.

Jamie was born on May 15, 1976, in Binghamton, New York, and grew up in Greene, New York. It was evident from an early age that Jamie had a special connection with music. His passion for music blossomed during childhood, as he would imaginatively play the piano on the back of church pews while the choir sang. Recognizing his talent and love for music, a member of the congregation suggested to Jamie's mother that he take piano lessons that showcased his skills during school musicals at Greene Central High School and then continued throughout his college years. His dedication and talent as a pianist led to him becoming a published composer.

Jamie pursued his passion for music further by attending Bob Jones University, where he studied Church Music. During his time in college, he joined the singing group called Voices of Praise. Additionally, he accepted an internship at Victory Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where he later became the music teacher and music pastor. It was at this church that he met his beloved wife, Beth, who was serving as a Christian school teacher. They married on June 17, 2005, and together they started a family filled with love and joy.

Jamie's life was deeply rooted in his faith, and his love for the Lord and his family. Soon after they were married, he selflessly invited Beth's grandmother to live with them when she needed care, demonstrating his compassionate nature and the importance of family. In 2007, Jamie and his family relocated to Warner Robins, Georgia, after he accepted the position of Worship Pastor at Mikado Baptist Church where he served for 13 years. In 2013, he started his own business called Koerts Music, and later added Koerts Media in 2020. Through his business, Jamie continued to serve the Lord by creating graphic designs for churches and composing and arranging musical pieces which are used by churches around the world.

Despite all Jamie’s individual accomplishments his deepest source of pride was what he and Beth created together in their family and their four children. Jamie had a deep love of reading and enjoyed sharing that love with his children. Within their family’s homeschool Jamie thrived in the deep discussions. He would engage the children by digging deeper as he worked to foster their own love of learning. Although not personally involved in sports, as the children’s biggest fan, he would give a big “thumbs up” from the sidelines. He was not a fisherman but in Koerts family fashion you would find Jamie holding a pole and fishing in a tournament alongside his whole crew, wife included, because their oldest desperately wanted to compete and together is how they would. Jamie's culinary skills were renowned, and he delighted in baking pies for his family.

Jamie and Beth recently opened their home to serve as a foster family, providing a safe and loving environment for several children in the foster care system. They embraced these children as their own, extending their love and support wholeheartedly.

Jamie was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Phyllis Riley, and by his niece, Makayla Riley.

His memory will be treasured forever by his wife, Beth; his children, Michael James, Katelyn Joy, Daniel William, and Jacob Erick; and many precious foster children. Jamie is also survived by his parents, James and Charlene Koerts; his siblings, Arielle (Ricky) Pagod of Lakeland, Florida, and Perry (Caroline) Koerts of Norwich, New York; and wife’s parents, Wayne and Valerie Riley, and his brother-in-law, Chad (Brooke) Riley; his nieces and nephews, Emma Koerts, and Cody, Kendra, and Kelsey Riley.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 2 from 5-8 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 3 at 1 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, Warner Robins. He will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Macon.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home at https://www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/ .

The online registry may be signed at www.mcculloughfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support his family through this uncertain time .