James Lester Kirk

James L. Kirk, SHCS, USN retired, age 87 of Killeen passed away peacefully in his home with family at his side on Monday, December 30, 2019. Mr. Kirk was born December 26, 1932, the youngest of 8 children, in the community of Cerro Gordo, Little River County, Arkansas. He lived there until the family moved to Horatio, Arkansas in 1939.

Upon graduating from Horatio High School he joined the U.S. Navy on December 19, 1950 and served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars as a ships storekeeper and ships serviceman. Senior Chief Kirk was awarded his highest rank of E-8 on November 16th, 1966 and was honorably discharged on June 27, 1972 after 21 years, 5 months and 29 days of active service.

Upon retirement, Mr. Kirk later joined his brother in Killeen, Texas to begin a career in life insurance. Together they opened American Amicable Life Insurance offices in Killeen and Copperas Cove, Texas. He and his brother Roger B. Kirk served the local community, soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Hood Army Base. Through the years, Mr. Kirk was awarded recognition in the hall of fame as a General Agent and he touched many people’s lives in both communities. He always felt it was an honor to be able to serve people when they needed it most.

Mr. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, the late Rufus Clifton Kirk and Lucile Saloma Brazil of Horatio, Arkansas; brothers France Kirk of Horatio, Arkansas; Rufus Harrell Kirk of Austin, Texas; Willie Gerald Kirk of Lawton, Oklahoma; Roger Bruce Kirk of Killeen, Texas; George Marshall of Horatio, Arkansas; and sister Geraldine Virginia Kirk.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 66 years Shirley J. Kirk of Killeen, Texas; sister, Mrs. Marjorie McMaster of Longview, Texas; four children, James Michael Kirk and wife Maggie of Dallas, Texas; Debra Lynn Weyer of Austin, Texas; Clifton Daniel Kirk and wife Donna of Abilene, Texas and Scott Allison Kirk of San Antonio, Texas; 14 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Kirk’s grandsons: James Gillentine, Charles Kirk, James Ryan Kirk, Jared Kirk, Sean Kirk and Ian Kirk. Words of remembrance may be shared with the family at www.dignitymemorial.com.

For those that desire, memorial contributions can be made to the Skyline Baptist Church, 906 Trimmier Road, Killeen, Texas 76541 or to Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (for the wreaths), 100 W. CTE, Suite 302, Harker Heights, Texas 76548 or online at www.wreathforvets.org.