OBITUARY: James W. Tate III, 69, teacher, lifelong member of Grace Church
James W. Tate III, a lifelong Brooklynite and public school teacher who was active at Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights since his childhood, died on Saturday, August 31 following a brief illness. He was 69.
Born in then-extant Caledonian Hospital in Flatbush, Jim was a boy soprano with the Grace Church Men & Boys Choir starting in early 1950s, during the tenure of the famed Anne Versteeg McKittrick, organist and choirmaster from 1939-1976. After his voice changed he became one of Mrs. McKittrick’s regular page-turners, a position he held until McKittrick’s death in 1976.
McKittrick influenced a number of legendary performers, including the Chapin brothers, guitarist Phil Forbes and other notable Brooklynites who were active in Grace Church’s music life.
A member of Grace Church for about 60 years, Jim continued to be active there until his death, serving as a vestryman, Lay Eucharistic Minister and Visitor, and participating in several Bible studies and other groups. Jim was also for many years a delegate to the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island’s annual convention.