John Paul Kirk

It is with sadness and yet with deep gratitude for a long, well-lived life that we share the passing of John P. Kirk, Sr. our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John died peacefully at the age of 94, on December 9, 2025, encircled by family: his wife of 73 years and partner in everything, Alice; his children; and several grandchildren. John loved his family. He enjoyed his friends, flying, playing golf, and helping people. He lived a life of service to the community and to the church.

John Paul Kirk was born March 14, 1931, the youngest child of Daniel P. and Clara I. Kirk in Ashland, Alabama. He returned to Ashland often and maintained close relationships with his family of 10 brothers and sisters, their children, and several life-long friends. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1949, after which he went with a friend just to get information about the Army Air Corp (now the Air Force), but he unexpectedly found himself signed up as a new recruit instead. While in the Air Force, John was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base to teach aircraft electronics.

John met Alice while in Amarillo, and a year later they were married on Dec. 27, 1952. They had three children: John, Jr., Kathy, and Rebecca; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren with another due in Jan. 2026.

He and Alice moved to Atlanta where he earned the equivalent of an AA degree at Southern Tech. Much later, while working, he returned to college, earning a BS in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle University at age 76.

John took flying lessons while in Texas but did not get his license until a few years later. He took Alice for her first flight—not only in a small plane but her first flight ever. He had a small plane pilot’s license for 50 years, during which time he also earned an instrument rating, a multiengine rating and a commercial rating.

After his discharge from the Air Force, he worked for an oil company and he and Alice took an opportunity to work for several years in Bogotá, Colombia. It was a great adventure, and they made some life-long friends. When they returned to the states, they settled in Torrance, CA where John began his career in financial planning. He established his own successful investments and financial planning company, finally retiring after more than 50 years in business.

John’s community service was extensive. A partial list includes member and president of the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club; member of Toastmasters International; board member and chairperson of The Arc South Bay; Chairman of the Board of Managers of the Torrance YMCA; President of the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce; and secretary and lifetime member of the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce.

He and Alice joined the First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach in 1961 and have remained active members ever since. John chaired many boards and committees over the years but is most beloved for the foresight and expertise in helping to establish the church’s endowment fund.

John Kirk is survived by his wife Alice Kirk; children: John Kirk (Mindy), Kathy McCandless (Richard), and Rebecca Kirk; grandchildren: Christopher Kirk (Jennifer), Lauren Figgers (Kevin), Brian Kirk (Laura), Daniel McCandless, Kelly McCandless (Jeffrey Witteman), Colleen McCandless, Luke McCandless, Ian Pannemarsh (Maia), Lia Shutts (Tama), Gillian Marsh (Maxwell Myrick); 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A Memorial Service and Reception will be held January 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 243 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.