Cameron "Jim" James Kirkpatrick Sr.

Cameron James Kirkpatrick, affectionately known as Jim, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, Barbara Gayle “Bobbie” Kirkpatrick, his son, Cameron James Kirkpatrick Jr., and his brother, Curtiss Lee Kirkpatrick.

Jim was born on February 3, 1952, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to John James Kirkpatrick Jr., known as “Jack,” and Thelma Arlene Kirkpatrick. He graduated from Eastlake North High School in 1970 and married the love of his life, Barbara Gayle Cecil, on March 6, 1971. Together, Jim and Bobbie built a life and family spanning more than five decades, sharing a bond that remained at the heart of his life.

Jim was a dedicated and accomplished professional who took great pride in his work. He spent 27 years at Zagar Inc. in Euclid, Ohio, where he worked as a group leader and machine assembler alongside his father and brother. In 1998, Jim and Bobbie moved to Florida, where he continued his career at Thermo Type, serving as assistant plant manager through 2026. Jim was exceptionally good at his job, bringing intelligence, experience, and dedication to his work throughout his career.

Family was woven into Jim’s professional life as well. He shared a particularly close bond with his only brother, Curtiss Lee Kirkpatrick. The two worked alongside each other at both Zagar Inc. and Thermo Type, sharing not only a family connection but also years of working together.

Outside of work, Jim had a lifelong passion for muscle cars. One of his favorite things was building cars with his son, creating memories through a shared love of automobiles. He also loved boating on Lake Erie, enjoying time on the water and the experiences that became part of his family’s memories.

Jim was smart, strong-willed, and famously stubborn. If you knew Jim, you knew he was usually convinced he was right—and he wasn’t likely to change his mind! That determination was part of what made him who he was. He was also a man who took his responsibilities seriously, excelled at his work, and cared deeply for the people closest to him.

Above all, Jim loved his family. He cherished his wife, Bobbie, and took tremendous pride in his son, Cameron James Kirkpatrick Jr., his granddaughter, Taylor, and his great-granddaughters, Denver, Presley, and Everly. Their lives and accomplishments brought him great pride and happiness. He also shared his life with his beloved long-haired Chihuahua, Daisy, a faithful companion who held a special place in his heart.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Gayle “Bobbie” Kirkpatrick; his son, Cameron James Kirkpatrick Jr., and daughter-in-law, Laura; his granddaughter, Taylor, and her husband, Dakota Stenzel; his great-granddaughters, Denver, Presley, and Everly; his only brother, Curtiss Lee Kirkpatrick; his lifelong friends, Robert and Linda Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John James “Jack” Kirkpatrick Jr. and Thelma Arlene Kirkpatrick.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his strong will, his love of muscle cars, and the pride he took in the people he loved. The memories he created with his family, the years he spent working alongside those closest to him, and the love he shared with Bobbie will remain part of his family’s story for generations to come.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on November 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, Florida 34293.