Throughout his life, James learned to trust and lean upon God and to live each day as a gift. This was especially true while challenged these last five-plus years by the ravages of ALS. James finished his journey on earth in peace on February 6, 2023.
Son of Wallace B. and Mary Joe Bradley Kirkpatrick, James was born in San Antonio in April of 1961 as a late addition to the family of three sisters. He grew up in the loving community of Los Angeles Heights Presbyterian Church, where his mother led the choir and his father was an Elder.
A skinny and inquisitive kid, he loved to explore and learn new things. He had a passion for building and fixing; and eagerly followed his ingenious Pop around learning tricks of multiple trades.
From 3rd to 8th grade, he attended San Antonio Academy, where along with academics, he learned to march and drill. This education further fostered the patriotism and love of country that his family began. A favorite teacher at SAA gave him his lifelong nickname “KP”.
Later at Antonian College Prep, he played tennis, read books (particularly sci-fi), managed the basketball teams, certified in scuba diving, and became known as the “photographer” – back in the day of film cameras. He even developed the prints in the school’s darkroom.
College years at Sam Houston State University, brought more photography, the love of rock music, quality stereo equipment and reading anything except his textbooks. There he also met his love and first wife, Jerry Lind Beard, and became a father to his only son, David Braxton Kirkpatrick. James was a proud papa, but not quite mature enough at the time and the young couple soon divorced.
From 1994 to 2005, James was married to his late wife Dianna Kirkpatrick, who shared many of James’ joys, including learning to scuba dive. Together they started their own photography business. Dianna gave him an understanding of what a marriage should be. She also brought to his family a beautiful stepdaughter, Melisa Ann Tate.
Primarily living in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, James worked different aspects of construction, and became a skilled corrugator in the manufacturing industry. In 2003, he and Dianna moved to Bandera to be closer to his aging parents. Following her death he learned a new trade as a technical writer with Jana, Inc., in Converse. James took early retired from Jana when, ALS prevented his fingers from typing.
James first came to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church as an observer. He sat in the back pew of 12:15 Mass to see his long-time friend and high-school crush, Nan Fagan Patterson sing in the choir. His love for her and the Church grew from there. A few years later, in 2009, James happily married Nan, becoming part of her large Fagan family. On Easter of 2020, James joyfully joined the infinite family of the Church.
James was the silent type with a dry, smart wit. And while they may not always have known it, he cherished his sisters, Melissa, Joe-Beth, Tara and Tara’s husband, Tim McKee. His brothers-in-law, both old and new, he counted as friends. He was proud of the Kirkpatrick Clan, especially his five nieces and nephews. He enjoyed and knew all by name, even when that count grew to dozens more with the Fagans. James was loyal to his friends that he met in life through his neighborhood, schools, and work—from the most recent to those from his sandbox days back at LAHPC church.
Preceding James in death are both parents and Dianna. Still living, on this side of heaven, are all his sisters; his son David and his three children: Elaina, James David, Ayden and their mother, Adrianna Kirkpatrick; Melisa’s two daughters, Caroline and Anna and their father, Matt McKillip. James is also survived by his beloved wife, Nan and her three Patterson children and spouses, Chris (Rachel), Ben (Emily Landon) and Maggie (Justin Talusan) and the aforementioned esteemed extended family.
James and Nan were grateful for the prayers and support from friends and family. It was this love and care that buoyed them through many rough waters; increasing their laughter and lessening their tears.
All services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church at 600 Oblate Dr., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
9:30am - Short visitation
10:00am - Rosary
11:00am - Funeral Mass
A private interment of the ashes will occur at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park.
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation in James’ honor to the ALS Association to help find a Cure.
https://donate.tx.als.org/fundraiser/4434427
or to Blessed Sacrament Church.
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