Rev. David A. Potts

Born October 5, 1955, in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Barclay and Lucille Crandall Potts.

He was a 1973 graduate of Jamestown High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and went on to graduate from North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago and was ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Rev. Potts led congregations in the states of Pennsylvania, Washington, and Connecticut. In addition, he pastored Pilgrim Covenant Church, Brooklyn, NY, Pilgrim/First Congregational United Church of Christ, Jamestown, NY and lastly Grace United Church, Wellsville, NY. At other times he served as a hospital chaplain in Orlando, a school administrator, a theater producer, a church lighting and sound director, and many times as a summer camp counselor and director. He was a member of First Covenant Church in Jamestown.

David enjoyed swimming, traveling and the RV lifestyle, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. As a devoted follower of Christ, he also believed passionately that “You should not be so Heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.” He put that into practice by founding Brooklyn Initiatives, Inc. to support the community service initiatives of Pilgrim Covenant Church, volunteering to handle bookkeeping and logistics for food pantries, and lending a friendly ear and support to younger ministers and missionaries.

As an early adopter of computing technology, taking classes at UB for programming and computer science, he believed in the power of science to solve human problems. He balanced that with a passion for inclusion and equity within the church and broader society, and along with his wife Jan advocated for women of diverse backgrounds to be welcomed and celebrated as leaders within the church community and beyond. His love for people extended past American borders, and he loved to connect with people of all backgrounds through cooking, hospitality, and conversation.

Surviving are two children Aaron Potts of Brooklyn and Annemarie Potts of Austin, TX; two sisters Carolyn Potts and Linda (Bob) Walrod both of Jamestown and a sister in law Cheryl Potts of Richland, NY; as well as an uncle and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Rev. Jan Hallstrom Potts, whom he married February 10, 1979, and who died February 15, 1998 and a brother Barclay “Skip” Potts, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made “In memory of David Potts” to Camp Mission Meadows, 5201 East Lake Rd. Dewittville, NY 14728.

You may leave words of condolence at www.lind funeralhome.com.