Mike Echstenkamper

On Friday, January 9th, 2026, Thomas Michael “Mike” Echstenkamper was called home to his Lord and Savior at the age of 67 after a two-year battle with cancer.

A native of Ohio, Mike was the son of Carol Ann Steffy Echstenkamper and the late Thomas Edgar Echstenkamper. He was married to the love of his life, Kimberly Foster Echstenkamper, for almost 45 years. Mike was father to four wonderful children and “Poppi” to four amazing grandchildren. He was a dear friend and mentor to so many.

Mike grew up with a passion for sports and being outside. He was an Eagle Scout and was well respected by many in his community. Mike excelled significantly as an athlete. He played baseball for Ohio University, eventually being inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1994. After Mike’s junior year at OU, he was drafted by the New York Yankees, where he played in the minor league system for three years. Mike graduated in the off-season with a degree in Communications.

During college Mike came to understand the gospel and devoted his life to Christ. He met Kim shortly after this and the two connected quickly over their budding faith and care for others. Knowing that young adulthood is such a formative time in a person’s life, Mike and Kim wanted to devote their lives to helping college students understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. They decided to work in full-time ministry and served faithfully with Athletes in Action for 43 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ministering to athletes and coaches. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his time on staff with AIA, which provided him the opportunity to do work that captured his passion for his faith, people, and sport.

Mike was the epitome of gentle strength, someone who led first with compassion, empathy, and grace, but always stood fiercely behind his convictions and those he loved. He was deeply dedicated to his family and his faith, prioritizing both with unwavering consistency. He was truly the definition of a faithful man. Interacting with Mike, being on the receiving end of his presence and intention, was something that left the most beautiful mark on people’s lives. The length and breadth of this influence when it came to personal connections with others was profound. He was inclined to strike up conversation with whomever, often asking deeper questions outrightly with a curiosity and sincerity that was magnetic. He made people feel seen and safe, especially those who were overlooked or dismissed. Mike loved an underdog, an outcast. He loved a redemption story.

An avid learner, Mike never tired of studying scripture daily or pouring himself into a new book. He would get excited about sharing “takeaway points” and incorporating these into discussions — he was generous and enthusiastic about what he was learning, an effective teacher, who wanted to leave others with the same pieces of truth or wisdom that had helped him. This type of energy was present in so many areas of Mike’s life. He loved to be moving, to have a project, to stay active, to push himself physically and mentally. He was eager to try new things and didn’t shy away from risk or discomfort. He was not easily fazed or made anxious; he was steadfast and resolute, with a natural calming presence even in the face crisis. He maintained this attitude to the very end, rarely complaining about physical pain or the loss of his functioning. He suffered with patience and perseverance — a beautiful depiction of how to live with grace and how to die with grace.

Mike leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Kimberly Echstenkamper; his children, Alisa Thomas and husband Alex, Amy Echstenkamper, Kristy Burton and husband Antony, Todd Echstenkamper; his grandchildren, Gabriel, Micah, Samantha and Mia Thomas; his mother, Carol Echstenkamper; sister, Kathy Tarantelli and husband Ed; his brother, Karl Echstenkamper and wife April; sister-in-law, Carrie Echstenkamper, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Echstenkamper and his brother Mark Andrew Echstenkamper.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in support of Kim’s ongoing ministry with Athletes in Action at the Athletes in Action/Cru staff account (account number 0242620).Or donations can be made to American Cancer Society for Lung cancer research.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Jan 31, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Chapel Hill Bible Church. 260 Erwin Road Chapel Hill NC 27514.