James C. Hefley, author of ‘Truth in Crisis’ dies at 73

by Joni B. Hannigan                                                                                                            Vol. XVII, No. 5, May 2004

James C. Hefley Jr. was an Ozark man who graduated from college at 17 and eventually became the first chronicler of the conservative resurgence in the 16-million-member Southern Baptist Convention and a foremost Christian biographer, described by those who knew him as “brilliant” and “insightful.”

Hefley, 73, died Mar. 20 at his family home in Hannibal, MO, after a lengthy illness. He was the former writer-in-residence at Hannibal LaGrange College and founder of both Hannibal Books, an evangelical publishing company, and the Mark Twain Writer’s Conference.

A prolific writer, teacher, pastor, editor, and publisher, Hefley was perhaps best known as the key chronicler of the conservative movement which changed the course of the Southern Baptist Convention. His five-volume The Truth in Crisis series and The Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention are among the most sought-after resources in the 159-year-old denomination.

Paige Patterson, a key figure in the conservative resurgence and now president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, remembered the impact of Hefley’s work then and now, and how, with a “sixth sense,” he cut to the core of important issues. “Jim Hefley appeared on the scene at a critical moment in the life of the conservative revival,” Patterson said. “He began to write about it at a time when the entire movement had been interpreted through the lens of the opposition. Probably as much as any single avenue, his first volume regarding the conservative movement became the catalyst of understanding for thousands of laymen. We, in turn, use that volume still today.”

On a personal level, Patterson said Hefley was “a very generous person” in spirit. “He had a sweet approachableness, yet he swung a big stick,” Patterson said. “It was a great combination.”

Jim Jones, a veteran writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, called Hefley a “passionate, hard-working journalist who courageously spoke up for what he believed.”

“What I will remember most about Jim, though, was his warm personality,” Jones recalled. “Until his illness, Jim would be one of the first persons to greet me in the newsroom each year at Southern Baptist Conventions. We would grab a cup of coffee and hash out what was happening in one of the great American denominations. I will miss those conversations and friendly coffee breaks with my friend Jim.”

James T. Draper Jr., president of LifeWay Christian Resources, said Hefley’s reporting made a difference. Draper was the third conservative president during the conservative resurgence. “More than anyone else, he impacted the entire movement with his careful chronicle of the resurgence in his books,” Draper said. “He documented the need and the efforts to initiate changes in the SBC. Through all these past 22 years he has been a cherished friend who I have always believed represented the finest in reporting and journalistic endeavors. He will be greatly missed, although his influence will always be evident.”

Hefley married Marti Lou Smedley May 8, 1953 in New Orleans. Marti is in hospice care at the family home.

A family spokesperson said Hefley passed away peacefully while in Marti’s arms during a morning scripture reading with family members. “It was a beautiful, sunny day here, and the first day of spring, which I think is such a wonderful, wonderful day for Dad to have His resurrection into new life,” the spokesperson said.

All of Jim Hefley's books that currently are in print can be ordered through Hannibal Books' website (www.hannibalbooks.com) and toll-free number (1-800-747-0738). The company's mailing address is P.O. Box 461592, Garland, Texas, 75046-1592. In Hefley's memory, Hannibal Books has lowered for 90 days the price of the classic The Truth in Crisis 5-volume series from $45.00 to $24.95. [BP]