James C. 'Jim' Kirk's Obituary
James C. (Jim) Kirk of Fayetteville, AR died at the age of 88 peacefully at home on May 17 after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed.
Born May 10, 1921 in Hubbard, Texas. Obtained a B.S. in Chemistry from Baylor University in 1944, a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Ohio State University in 1949 and completed the Sloan Program for Senior Executives at M.I.T. in 1967. Jim was a retired Vice President of Research and Development of Conoco, Inc. where he was responsible for programs that supported Conoco’s businesses in oil and gas, chemicals and coal.
While in Ponca City, Jim served in leadership roles and was a strong advocate for the Will Rogers Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Chamber of Commerce and the Kaw Lake Association. He worked hard to establish the Pioneer Area Vo-Tech School and to implement the interactive TV system which has become the University Learning Center.
Jim was an instrument-rated recreational pilot and saw many adventures from the front seat of his single engine planes for decades before a stroke forced him to sell his plane. He later enjoyed ground travel in the form of his Model A; taking many a jaunt about Central Texas with the Austin Model A club. Jim was also an avid golfer throughout much of his life until 1996, saying it was the one skill he hoped his grandchildren would acquire.
Moved to Austin, Texas upon retirement in 1984. Moved to Fayetteville, AR in 2005. Current member of Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR.
Proceeded in death by daughter Kathryn, parents Floyd and Pearl (Windham) Kirk, brother Buddy and sister Geneva Kirk Brooks.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Robin Hartness Kirk. Children James and wife Janet Kirk of Champaign, Ill; Steve and wife Marcy Kirk of Bend, Oregon; Carol Kirk of Washington ; Gil and wife Maria Kirk of Brookings, Or; stepchildren Pam and husband Don Dickerson of Ponca City, OK; Steve and wife Marla Sheely of Fayetteville, AR; Tiffany and husband Bert Young of Bladenboro, NC; 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; sister Edna Louise Drisko; brother Jerald Kirk, and wife Linda; sister Karen Kirk; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Rolling Hills Baptist Church 1400 Rolling Hills Drive in Fayetteville, AR with Washington Regional Hospice Chaplain Paul Woodhouse officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Christian Education Memorial Foundation at Rolling Hills Baptist Church, 1400 Rolling Hills Drive, Fayetteville, AR, 72703.
Visitation Date Time None Visitation Location Service Date Time Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:00 AM Service Location Rolling Hills Baptist Church 1400 Rolling Hills Drive, Fayetteville AR, 72703
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