Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I worked for John as a new Rigger in 3/20 and in many ways he helped to shape my Army career. John served with honor and distinction, and that service will always be remembered. May you find comfort in the respect and gratitude of a grateful nation. 

JOHNNY PAUL
COL, SP
US Army

I was sorry to hear of John's passing.  We both wore the 173d Abn Bde combat patch in the guard when there were very few combat veterans in the FLNG.  When I was appointed acting Commander of 3/20 SFB (Abn), John conducted my airborne refresher training so I could go back on jump status with the Battalion.  He was tough and professional.  Every time we saw each other, we had to rub our "herd" patches together on our uniform!  He was a great soldier and friend.  May he rest in peace.
Barry Appleby, Colonel, Retired

I knew John when we were in the 531 MID. He transferred to 20the Group before Adrian and I. John was a blast to be around and always first to help out in any manner. John was a Quite Professional. John, drop your ruck and rest easy. Will see you on the other side.

I served with Jone for many years and he was  a great soldier and friend. We spent many hours together day and night working on missions together.  He was a great jump master with lots of knowledge to help others members.  He will be missed by all brothers of our command.  See you on the other side of the rainbow brother.

Best buddies together again! John Kirkendoll & Eddie Floyd

SFC John Kirkendoll was a true soldier, leader, mentor, SF (Special Forces) brother, and most of all good friend.  He will be missed by me and many of his SF brothers! My condolences and prayers to his family.

I am so very sorry for your family’s loss!  I served with John for many years and we remained friends to this very day (about 37 years give or take). We would catch up at our monthly military retiree get togethers in Green Cove Springs (most recently for a mutual friend’s memorial service). When I first met John in the 80s I was a young second lieutenant and he was a seasoned Sergeant First Class (Vietnam Vet). John, like others of his generation and background, became a mentor and sage to this young officer. I continued serve for several years after John retired. When I was promoted to General in 2017 John attended my promotion ceremony where I was able to publicly thank him for helping me become a leader worthy of promotion to General officer rank. John was a dear friend. I think and speak of him often. I, along so many others who knew and served with him, will miss him dearly.
Must Respect,
Trey Chauncey
Brigadier General, USA (Ret)
De Oppressor Liber

Some things we did not know about Papa John, direct from the DOD!
DD Form 214, NOV 1988 Certificate of Discharge - Kirkendoll, John Douglas  - Army
Sec. 11 - Primary Specialty - Parachute Rigger  - Sargent First Class
Sec. 13 - Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons all periods of service;
Army Commendation Medal (4th) 
Army Achievement Medal (2nd) 
Army Good Conduct Medal (5th) 
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal (2nd)
Vietnam Service Medal-1 Bronze Service Star

Humanitarian Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon #3
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd)
Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (2nd)
Army (Retired) Lapel Button
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal - Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device
Expert Badge-Rifle
Expert Badge-Machine Gun
Master Parachutist Badge
Canadian Parachutist Badge
Bronze German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

John Douglas Kirkendoll

22 juin 1950 – 18 décembre 2025

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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