James Dean Kirkman

James Dean Kirkman, our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at Hunter Hollow Care Center located in West Valley City, Utah on September 2, 2016 at the age of 85. James was born in Payson, Utah to James Babcock Kirkman and Maudine Stewart Kirkman on March 31, 1931. James married his lifelong companion Rae Ann Loveless February 24, 1955 in Payson, Utah. Together they had two sons and a daughter; Wayne Kirkman, Dena (Ronnie) Brooks, and Kevin (Jirapha) Kirkman. He loved to go camping, hunting and fishing every chance he had. He also bowled on a league with his wife for twenty years.

James graduated from Springville High in 1949. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU) for one and a half years. In 1951, James enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his Country. James was given an honorable discharge after serving four years. While he was in the Navy, he received his repairman class “A” machinery certificate. He is the recipient of several service medals which included the National Defense, Korean ((USS AJAX (AR-6)) and the United Service. James continued working with the Navy as a civilian after the honorable discharge for twenty-three years. He retired from the civil service as an inspector in 1993.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rae Ann; Sons; Wayne and Kevin (Jirapha) Kirkman, Daughter Dena (Ronnie) Brooks; 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren.

A very special thank you goes out to the compassionate team of angels from Rocky Mountain Hospice and Hunter Hollow Care Center for the extra special care they had given James while in their care.

Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 11 a.m. at Hunter 2nd Ward on 3970 South 5200 West with a viewing from 10 to 11 am at the ward prior to the celebration of life.

Interment: Payson City cemetery.

Arrangments under the direction of Family Funeral Care, Riverton, UT.