James William Kirk

James William (“Bill”) Kirk, 89, went home to his Lord on September 5, 2014 after a brief period of declining health. He was born on September 3, 1925, the son of the late John A. Kirk and Cora Suther Kirk.

Mr. Kirk graduated from Newell High School. In 1983, he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. UNCC was dear to him from the time as a young man when he helped Bonnie Cone set up special events to later years when he served on the UNCC Alumni Board of Governors. UNCC honored him by electing him to its Hall of Fame.

He grew up working on his parents’ dairy farm located between Newell and Mallard Creek. During the Korean War, he served 6 years in the Naval Reserve and 2 years in the Army. At Newell School, he was a substitute Agriculture teacher. After working at Alexander Tank & Equipment and General Motors, he spent 30 years as a rural mail carrier in Charlotte.

Mr. Kirk was a life-long member of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, where he served over the years as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, and all-around volunteer. He worked at most of the Church’s famous Bar-B-Ques.

Community service was always important to Mr. Kirk. He was a 19-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross. In 1949, he helped organize the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, where he retired with 25 years of service, including several years as President. Mr. Kirk enjoyed many years with the University City Civitan Club, where he also served as President. He chaired the Board of Directors for University Adult Day Care. Queens University (which named him an Honorary Alumnus) asked him to serve as Chairman of their Board of Visitors, and as a member of the President’s Advisory Board. Mr. Kirk was elected foreman of the Grand Jury for its 6-month term. Gov. Jim Hunt appointed Mr. Kirk to two terms on the Efficiency Council of the NC Department of Transportation. He was Chief Judge of his election precinct for 15 years.

Mr. Kirk had a life-long love of gardening. He was well known in his community and on his mail route for sharing home grown tomatoes and other fresh-picked produce.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Boeckmann Kirk, with whom he enjoyed many years of travel in the US and abroad. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Eugene Kirk. Mr. Kirk is survived by his daughter, Kim Kirk Steffan (John) of Mebane, grandson Andrew John Kirk Steffan of Mebane, sister Sara Louise Kirk Killian of Charlotte, brother, Harry Suther Kirk, Sr. (Margaret) of Charlotte, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

His funeral service will be at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 11 a.m., with visitation at the Church at 9:30 a.m., with arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Mallard Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262 are appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcewenfuneralservices.com.