JAMES ALLAN KIRKPATRICK of Safety Harbor, Florida, known as everybody’s “BUDDY” went “Home” to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the age of 82 and became God’s Buddy. He was born December 29, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, son of the late Millard Bowling Kirkpatrick and Jewell Havill.
Buddy was hard-working and believed in taking the road less traveled. He served with the United States Air Force at the age of 17, journeying all over the world serving tours of duty in many countries, the most notable being Saudia Arabia, the Korean War and Vietnam. He was honorably recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal-Korean War Veteran; the Vietnam Campaign Medal awarded by South Vietnam for participation in major Vietnamese military operations; the Bronze Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service, and others.
He took pride in his service to his country and worked hard for his family. But he wasn’t done. Upon retirement in 1977 from the Air Force, he worked for Shaffer’s Commercial Seating in Denver, Colorado, until he retired from there and moved to Florida. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing or just sitting peacefully on the dock. His greatest enjoyment became his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They could make him smile and clap his hands. As he lay preparing himself for his journey to Heaven, his great-granddaughter, Addison, two years old, sat at his bedside and sang Bible songs with the voice of an angel. Buddy gathered all his strength he had and smiled and clapped once again…
Buddy watched over, deeply loved and cherished his family. He was a hero to all of us. He leaves behind his wife, Priscilla Montano Kirkpatrick; son, Michael Kirkpatrick (Cathy); daughters: Audrey Landry; Kathy George; Batasha Kirkpatrick; grandsons: James Landry (Carissa); Jason Landry; Wayne Kirkpatrick; (Lauren); Nikko Gallardo. Granddaughters: Samantha Crystal Kirkpatrick (predeceased); Eliza Mirabile (Joe). Great-grandchildren: Anastasia Kirkpatrick; Jazlyn Vega; Addison and Cole Landry; Chloe Kirkpatrick; Haley Banner and Kimberly Hobb.
He will be deeply missed and our hearts are sad, but bittersweet with happiness that Buddy suffers no longer after a long illness and is comforted by God’s Grace. “Welcome Home,” Buddy. Irish Eyes are smiling once again!
A funeral service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida, with full military honors. Time and date to be announced at a later time.
You will be missed Buddy! Thank you for all the wounderful memories that will live on through the ones you have touched! This is not goodbuy but a see you soon!
We Love You,
Wayne,Lauren,Haley and Chloe Kirkpatrick
I MISS MY DAD SO MUCH,IT’S HARD NOT SEEING HIM LAYING ON THE COUCH,WATCHING NCIS BUT I HAVE SEVERAL MESSAGES ON MY PHONE TELLING ME HE’S STILL WAITING.
Priscilla and Family –
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kirk will be missed. I remember him as such a gentle, kind man. I know he received such joy from his family. May God bring you comfort at this time.
All my love,
Paula
Buddy……..if you get a chance to have a private meeting with God, please put in a word for me. It’s so hard missing you. I love you, daddy.
Kirk,
You were my only brother-in-law and therefore you were special. You never said no, and you were always ready to say when. We will miss you, but we know you are in a great place and are visiting with those who are already there and enjoying your wonderful sense of humor. There are many of them there. One is special to me and I want you to hug and kiss Karolyn for me. Tell her I miss her and love her greatly. I am in touch with Priscilla and will do what ever I can durimg this time and in the future. Each day that goes by is one day closer to when I will see you in some place, somewhere sometime. We are all very proud of you for dedicating most of your life to the armed service heiping to protect our freedom. Thre is no greater honor and we thank you greatly for what you did for all of us. I hope that the Great Power that guides our lives takes you by the hand and blesses you with happiness forever and ever.
I am pleased and happy to have known you and look foreward to seeing you again.
Elmer Montano
again
Well you lyou eft just in time soyou dont have to hear me complin about a tooth hurting,I sure miss you just so empty void ,you were suppose to stay tell the girls got out of high school you said you didnt think you could make it.It was so hard to let you go but I know your not in pain no more and your are with our Lord and mom and someday we well be together again know y,our with me every minute Love you Pat
Batasha,I am so sorry for you an your family’s loss your grandfather is in a better, beautiful place may he rest in peace among the angels.
Thank you for always being so kind to me and Jade it was an honor to have know you. Pricilla and the girls are more than just friends to us there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them and we will always be here for them .May God Bless the Kirkpatrick family
My deepest condolences to the whole family. I always remember Kirk as a quiet, strong presence and always there for his family. Take care of each other! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Thank you to all of you for your thoughts, support and comforting and loving words. A special Thank You to the Joseph Montano Family from Denver, for their very loving and kind contribution towards honoring James Kirkpatrick and wanting to fulfill Buddy’s wishes as he is laid to rest on April 17th, 2005, at Sarasota National Cemetery on April 17h, 2015, at 2:00 P.M. My father would be very hearfelt and smile sweetly at your kind gift towards the last step of his journey.
And Mary, you “grew up” with my dad and you hit it point on — a “quiet and strong presence, who took care of his family.” His presence will be deeply missed. I will tell him to find Tim and together shine goodness and peace on us all. Love you, Mary.
Love you Uncle Joe, Aunt Janice, Lori and Lynn. I told Buddy you were calling every day and he was in your thoughts and prayers.
Buddy is also the Man In The Moon… his sign shines bright to let us all know he is okay….happy and free. Good Night, Buddy. Good Night, Moon.
My Dear Friend Pat and Family,
I am so saddened by the passing of Kirk. You all have been mine and Jesse’s dearest friends for so many years. We shared so many holiday, birthday and other celebrations together when we all lived in Colorado. My fondest memories of Kirk were when he and Jesse would visit while the two of us took care of the food, activities and grandchildren. Both Kirk and Jesse loved their naps so it was never very long before we would find them sound asleep. Too many good times and memories to even begin to mention.
When Kirk worked at Shaffer, they made desk chairs. I still have one of those chairs sitting right here in my living room and I use it everyday. The most comfortable chair ever. So I think of him everyday.
Jesse died March 16, 2003 and I know Kirk was devastated over his death which really affected me deeply. You were and still are family. As difficult as it is to let our loved ones go, we can take comfort in knowing that they are finally at peace without pain. I send my condolences and love. God bless all of you. Verlin
I am so sorry, my sincere condolences to all his family and friends.