Dr. J. Michael Ferguson was born June 10, 1963 to William Donnell Ferguson and Ruth Elizabeth Sharron in Columbus, Georgia and passed from this life on January 23, 2022 in Springfield Missouri. He is survived by his best friend, soulmate and wife Nancy Riotto Ferguson of 39 years, Loving son, Brandon Ferguson and wife Alyson, the pride of his heart, cherishedContinue Reading
Dr. J. Michael Ferguson was born June 10, 1963 to William Donnell Ferguson and Ruth Elizabeth Sharron in Columbus, Georgia and passed from this life on January 23, 2022 in Springfield Missouri.
He is survived by his best friend, soulmate and wife Nancy Riotto Ferguson of 39 years, Loving son, Brandon Ferguson and wife Alyson, the pride of his heart, cherished granddaughter, Chloe Ferguson (aka Peanut), adoring daughter Ashley and husband Michael Shipley, and baby Shipley who has since joined him in Heaven making him a Heavenly Grandpa. His love for his granddaughter here on Earth was unmatched, so there is no doubt that baby Shipley will be the most loved (and spoiled) grandchild in Heaven. Last but certainly not least, his beloved fur companion Yogi, who was always at his side.
Extended family includes one surviving brother Rocky Ferguson and wife Yvonne of Round Rock Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his older sister Kathy Ramey and his parents, Bill and Ruth Ferguson.
Rev. Mike Ferguson received his Certified Ministers Certificate in 1980 with the Assemblies of God and was ordained in 1986. He and Nancy have been US Missionaries with the Assemblies of God since 1987 and planted a church in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City. In 1990 Mike and Nancy started a local mentoring after-school program reaching at-risk students in their community.
In 2001 they founded KidCare America/Thrive Student Centers, a national US Missions mentoring after-school ministry training and resourcing the faith community to relationally mentor at-risk students after-school.
Dr Mike earned his doctorate in psychology, was founder and clinical director of the National Teen Text Crisis Line, that allows teens in crisis to receive help via text messages.
Dr. Ferguson served as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Organizational
Leadership Program at Evangel University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, an Associate Professor at the University of Phoenix and was currently teaching Youth Mental Health First Aid at Evangel University’s future youth leaders as well as an adjunct professor at Ozarks Technical College teaching Intro to Psychology and Lifespan Psychology.
In 2020, OTC honored him with the Excellence in Education Award for his work focused on suicide prevention and mental health first aid. In one of his last comments, he wrote, “I am on a passionate hunt to be the best professor I can possibly be!”
He prided himself in being able to learn each and every student’s name within the first 2 weeks of class. If this wasn’t accomplished, he would tell the students they would not have to complete the final at the end of the semester. This goal was always accomplished and finals were always taken to the disappointment of the students. ~“Sawubona!” (Dr Mike was very passionate about walking his why).
left a message on August 28, 2024:
Not too many days go by in a week when I don't think about Pastor Mike.
He had such a huge impact and still does.
His openess about mental.health care In the Christian community inspires me to remain vigilant and compassionate In my Christian circles and beyond regarding placing importance on checking in with people and being ok not to be ok.
I love him and his family and thankful to have crossed his and his family's path.
-Anthony Marchan Nyc
left a message on February 2, 2022:
Prayers for the family and friends. Mike was a long time friend from Lawton First Assembly of God. God’s peace to all.
left a message on February 1, 2022:
My favorite memory -- a few come to mind. The first time I ever met you my crawfish escaped and was marching down the hall towards you and Nancy. Oddly, yall didnt really question it! An artifact of having Ashely, I assume. Still brings laughter-tears to my eyes. I also remember going to get Mexican food with you 3 and just feeling like i was surrounded by pure unwavering love, the kind you feel as a kid nodding off after a day of family fun. You brought that feeling with you everywhere. We love and miss you.
left a message on February 1, 2022:
Cuz it is so hard to think you are gone and no longer here to talk or read your post. You have touched so many lives in a very good way . Say hello to my son Brandon and your aunt Bookie and all of our family who is up there with you. I love you cuz and will see you one day soon
left a message on February 1, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Carlee Brown lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on February 1, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Judith Otero lit a candle
left a message on February 1, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Daniel Otero lit a candle
left a message on February 1, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Dee Newberry lit a candle
left a message on February 1, 2022:
Dr. Ferguson was by far the best professor I have ever had. The highlight of my day last semester was coming to his class early to be greeted by his enthusiastic “Amander!!” and stay and chat with him until class started. My heart hurts for his family and I am deeply saddened by this loss. Sending so much love to all of you.
left a message on February 1, 2022:
Dr. Ferguson was by far the best professor I have ever had. The highlight of my day last semester was coming to his class early to be greeted by his enthusiastic “Amander!!” and stay and chat with him until class started. My heart hurts for his family and I am deeply saddened by this loss. Sending so much love to all of you. ❤️
left a message on January 31, 2022:
My prayers are with the family! Mike you had an enormous impact on so many lives and you will be forever missed. We had so many great times in the Bronx! Eli loved Nancy's fry chicken and I did as well but I especially loved that you believe in me and gave me great advice.
left a message on January 30, 2022:
Sending so much love to everyone. Forever grateful for Dr. Mike and all of the love and kindness he always gave.
left a message on January 30, 2022:
Dr. Mike Ferguson was one of the greats in his field, and was widely loved by many. He was a life changer and strived for the best in everything he did. May we all be more like Mike. ❤️
left a message on January 30, 2022:
I miss our talks and our text with me and you aka uncle mike and.aunt Nancy. I will always keep you in my heart, say hi to mom, Gran and pops and everyone else. love you
left a message on January 29, 2022:
Dr. Ferguson was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Being able to have him as my professor for 2 semesters was truly an honor. He always cracked jokes and made class such a joy! Going to his class felt like an escape from the stress of the real world. Dr. Ferguson was the type of person to put others before himself, which was so admirable. I will deeply miss his jokes he made at Hunter and I during class. Hearing him greet us everyday in class and care about what we did over the weekend or what we did the day before was one of the best things I could ask for. Dr. Ferguson, I hope you’re still sipping your Diet Coke in heaven!
I’m sending love and condolences to his family during this hard time.
left a message on January 29, 2022:
Mr.Ferguson was an amazing professor who was so kind caring and fun! He made me actually enjoy college! I’m deeply saddened by his death. Prayers for the family at this time.
left a message on January 28, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Deborah and Randall Haines lit a candle
left a message on January 28, 2022:
Respectful appreciation of a masterful communicator, professor and servant whose legacy lives on. dr Sylvia Marina. Perth, Western Australia
left a message on January 28, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Juneau Copeland lit a candle
left a message on January 27, 2022:
Nancy and family,
Mike and I have such good memories of starting out in missions at the same time...you to NYC and we headed to the southern hemisphere. You are in our hearts and prayers. We know he is having a grand reunion with His Saviour, his family and the hosts of those he escorted to the cross. His life touched scores of others.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
In memory of Dr. John "Mike" Michael Ferguson, Stacy Dalton Winton lit a candle
left a message on January 26, 2022:
I am praying for Dr Mike's family because I know this is a terrible way to be separated from his family. My heart aches for them. Dr Mike gave me my first Mental Health First Aid training, encouraged me to gain more and to do more to prevent suicide. He was amazing in his teaching, understanding, and grace in which he conducted himself. His example is a driving factor in why I attained a Master of Social Work Degree and am pursuing professional employment in behavioral healthcare. Thanks, Dr Mike, for giving me all you gave to me. I will always remember you. I now look forward to meeting you in heaven when my time on earth is done. The hope of the resurrection is indeed a great comfort.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
We had the privilege of hearing Mike speak at West Siloam Springs Assembly. From that day we were able to keep in touch and sow into his ministry helping individuals who face suicidal ideation and attempt. A powerful legacy he leaves, but his work will mot be in vain as their our countless lives he saved through his dedication to those who suffered emotionally. Praying for his family and all those whose lives he impacted.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
I met Dr. Mike through the coalition for suiside prevention soon after I lost my sister. He was so kind and caring and really helped me through a difficult time. He was a great man who will be missed.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
For the past few years Dr. Mike has been an incredible mentor and friend to my son at a time when his father stepped out. He is the one who took Malachi to the scrap yard for his first visit to help him start turning "trash" into cash. They had a routine each week. Malachi would gather up scrap and then Dr. Mike would come and they would load it up and go the scrap yard and turn it in.
He came to the hospital to visit my son everyday while the ER held him for 3 days because no one could - or would find a bed for an autistic boy because they didn't feel equipped to help him.
After my truck got totaled a couple of years ago, without hesitation or blinking an eye he and his wife loaned me a spare vehicle they had - for 3 months - until I could get enough money together to get another vehicle.
For years Dr. Mike skyped with him twice a week to check in on him, encourage him, and talk about life. He picked him up once a week for a weekly trip to his favorite restaurant Chik-Fil-A for "guy time."
He told me he didn't know much about autism, but would love to walk beside him - and me - to encourage us and be a friend if he could. Malachi began opening up to Dr. Mike in a way he had never done before with anyone else.
Sometimes the best help and support we can give someone is a sense of connection and belonging through our time and our friendship. He calls Dr. Mike his best friend.
This world has lost a good man. He was an amazing influence on so many people, showing and being the epitomy of Christ's love in action to everyone around him.
But we know he is in heaven right now rejoicing in the presence of God. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, and the multitude of other people who will no doubt miss this angel who walked among us.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
Dr. Ferguson was a phenomenal mentor and I am so thankful to have had him as a professor
left a message on January 26, 2022:
My prayers our with you and family.I am so sorry for your loss .
left a message on January 26, 2022:
LOVE ALWAYS, Thank you for showing me when I was younger how to become a better person.
left a message on January 26, 2022:
Ferguson Family, my thought and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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