I met Jim at church around 2014. He was such a kind, generous person. His personality was as big as he was! He was such a big part of Old Fort Baptist church. He played guitar in the music ministry , taught Sunday school and helped in the new members class. He became a great personal friend to Brian and me. Any favor needed, he was volunteering to help. We got to visit him in his house in TN right after he moved in. He hadn't even unpacked, but he welcomed us to his house. I remember sharing one mug for coffee in the morning. We made a cup, drank it, and let the next person have their cup. He often came back to SC and would meet us for lunch after church and we were so thrilled to be able to do this one last time before his passing. He loved Jesus more than anything and was quick to share his testimony with anyone. We will miss his big laugh and generous heart. We will meet again.
Jamieson Hoge Dirkes
Jamieson (“Jim”) Hoge Dirkes, 64, of Sevierville, Tennessee passed away suddenly on April 29, 2026, at his home. Born in Bronxville, New York, on October 12, 1961, he was the oldest child of Thomas and Marjory Johnson Dirkes. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Jim lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and music. Throughout his life he called many places home, including Fort Pierce FL, Brunswick GA, Charleston SC, and most recently Sevierville TN. No matter where he lived, he brought warmth, huge laughter, and a generous spirit to those around him. He often said his proudest moment was the birth of his son—the only Dirkes boy of his generation who would carry on the family.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1984 as an aircraft fuel systems technician. He was a Senior Systems Engineer at Medical University of South Carolina, where he worked for the past 32 years, and had planned to retire this fall. His dedication and strong work ethic continued throughout his life and were reflected in the care he gave to his family and community.
A true son of God, Jim’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved worship music and found great joy in playing guitar at church. Music was one of the many ways he shared his heart with others. He also loved baking, cooking, and bringing people together around a meal. Whether enjoying the mountains, taking motorcycle rides, or spending cherished time with his son and family, Jim embraced life fully and passionately.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjory Johnson Vanghel; his father, Thomas Hoge Dirkes; his brother, Jeffrey Dirkes; his cousin, Audra Johnson-Tannehill; his uncle, James Johnson; and his niece, Morgan Dirkes.
Jim is survived by his wife, Susannah Weyte; his son, Ian Dirkes, and grandchildren Harrison and Ellie; his daughter, Ellisa Poe (Andrew), along with grandchildren Kristopher, Hudson, and Ellisyn Poe, and his father’s wife, Lori Reed Dirkes. He is also survived by his brothers, Carl Dirkes (Victoria), and Christian Dirkes (Tina); his nieces, Caitlin Dirkes, Anastasia Dirkes, and Alexandra Dirkes; his aunt, Donna Johnson Siegel; his cousins Mike Moore (Trudi), Lyn Moore Miller (Matt), Amanda Bestmann (Ken), Melissa Sanguinetti, Larry Siegel (Liz), and MaryEllen Rhyins; as well as his faithful Labrador companion, Chuck.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of music and family, his adventurous spirit, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Following an earlier small ceremony held in Tennessee, a celebration will be held to honor Jim's life on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 4:00 pm at Old Fort Baptist Church, 10505 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor his love of his New York roots and the U.S. military. https://t2t.org/donate/ (When making your donation, check the box to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone," check In Memory of," and fill in his first and last name, Jamieson Dirkes. On the site you can also download a printable form if you prefer to mail a donation.)
To view Jim’s photos and express your condolences, please visit https://memoritree.com/memorial/jamieson-hoge-dirkes.
Those who wish to honor Jamieson's memory are invited to .