He was born on October 14, 1935 to Joseph and Ada Kirk in Mingo County, West Virginia.
He lived in West Virginia until the 1950’s when he moved to Texas to join the United States Air Force. After serving his country, he began working for the State Highway Department in Austin, Texas where he retired after 25 years. Before retiring from the State he decided to pursue a calling in music and enrolled in Mary Hardin Baylor. During his time at Mary Hardin Baylor, he was called to lead music full time at Hewitt First Baptist Church in Waco, Texas where he served on staff for 4 years. After his time in Waco he moved his family back to Austin, Texas and served leading music in several churches in the surrounding area including New Hope Manor Nursing where he used his servant’s heart every Sunday morning to lead worship for the residents there.
Our dad never met a stranger and the one thing he taught us kids is to not be afraid to share your faith. He loved the Lord with all his heart and would tell any and every one about it. There is no telling how many people came to know the Lord because of our dad’s boldness of sharing his faith.
James is survived by his children: daughters, Kristi Jones and husband Dale, Kim Davis and husband Ray, sons Mark Kirk and wife Amanda, Matt Kirk and wife Audra and the mother of his children Barbara Kirk. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, 7 brothers, 3 sisters and his son Joe Kirk.
Services will be held Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Leander, Texas. Viewing and Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
