Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Kirker Obituary
63, passed away March 4, 2011 after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was devoted to his family, especially his wife of 40 years, Gayle, and his daughter, Kelly Rae Kirker and her husband, Benjamin Peter Luchsinger, of Bozeman, MT. He was beloved by not only family and friends, but also his former colleagues in the Kearsley and Atherton Community Schools in Flint, MI, from which he retired in 2002. He and Gayle moved to Surprise, AZ in 2005, where they made many new friends and enjoyed traveling. Jim was known for his sense of humor, thoughtfulness, organization and task commitment. He was a prankster, but an equally good listener, who had a way of detecting just what you needed and then meeting those needs. Jim held a BA in business from Western Michigan University and two Masters Degrees from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to education, he enjoyed woodworking, playing pool and, most recently, sculpting clocks from found objects. He was a man of integrity, creativity and great kindness. We will always see that twinkle in his eyes. Jim was born February 18, 1948 in Lansing, MI to Paul and Magdalen Kirker. In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by sisters Margaret "Peg" (Jon) Roosenraad of Gainesville, FL and Maryellen "Miki" (Dennis) Valkanoff of Elk Rapids, MI and Hickory NC, his parents-in-law Donald and Betty Payne of Laingsburg, MI, sisters-in-law Glenda (Jerry) Whiting and Betsy (Louis) Stadt both of Lansing, brother-in-law Bryce (Gloria) Payne of Bath, ME, nieces Marcy (Ken) McFadden, Renee (Allen) Spiewak, Kimberly (Tye) Moffit and Jessica Payne and nephews Jeremy Whiting, Louis (Jen) Stadt, Charlie Stadt, Andy (Christina) Valkanoff, and Brad Roosenraad. He was a special great-uncle to Jordan and Tyler White, Makenzie, Trevor and Kayla McFadden, Cole Spiewak, Avery Stadt, Madison and Lauryn Moffit, Monica Stein-Roosenraad and soon-to-be-born Addison Valkanoff. Those who knew him are encouraged to keep him in their hearts and follow his example in living a principled, responsible life filled with hard work, fun, friends and family. Those wishing may make donations to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org. Jim will live on in the love and accomplishments of all those whose lives he graced.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kirker
Cherie and Bob Carter
March 4, 2012
It has been one year since Jim's passing, and our reality is clear and simple --- we will so miss Jim forever. We are so proud of your strength, Gayle, as you fight for a pancreatic cancer cure in Jim's name.
You go girl!!!
Dr. Chris Bryant
July 12, 2011
One of my all-time favorite people! Although I only got to see him for minutes at a time, it was among of the best minutes of my day. Jim always made me smile and laugh. I was terribly sad when you guys moved away and now, I'm even sadder yet. My thoughts and prayers are with you Gayle and Kelly. We were all blessed to have Jim in our lives.
Barb (Morris) Davies
April 2, 2011
Gayle, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will always remember the fun times we had when Uncle Paul, Aunt Magdalen, Peg, Jim and Miki would come to our house for holiday dinners. Those were special times for me. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Gayle as well as Kelly, Peg and Miki and there families. Jim certainly touched many hearts and will be greatly missed.
Love,
March 22, 2011
Gail Chris and I are so sorry for your loss Sophia
Michael Roos
March 19, 2011
Im sorry to hear about this he was a very nice man. He was the assistant principal at Armstrong when I attended there from 1989-1992. My condolences go out to Mr Kirker and all his family, God Bless Michael Roos 3332 Walton Ave flint Mi 48504.
Gayle Kirker
March 18, 2011
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this guest book. I never would have guessed how much it would mean to hear from people who remember Jim from every phase of his life. Thanks for keeping him in your hearts, because mine is broken right now. Love to you all.
Jena Menges
March 16, 2011
Jim's picture says it all. Jim was loved and respected by so many, most importantly, Gayle and Kelly. What an honor to know such a great man. I will forever have and share the many fond memories of good times growing up with Kelly. Mr. Kirker always had a funny phrase, funny look, or inside joke to share with Kelly and I. I will cherish every memory.
March 16, 2011
Thank you so much for the dumb jokes......i was with you at armstrong and then to K.H.S. -Robert Guiles (argyle)
Laura Robinson-Sheppard
March 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle and all of Mr. Kirker's family. I was a pupil of Gayle's and Jim's and worked with Jim as a student aid when he was Vice Principal at Kearsly High School. He was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.
Bob & Brenda Hampton
March 15, 2011
Gayle, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a very special person who listened, cared and went beyond what was expected. He managed to give confidence, patience and wisdom at the opportune times, his smile was contagious. We are so thankful to have had him and you in our and our kids' lives,you both had a tremendous influence on us and have often been on our minds. We are thinking and praying for you and your family.
March 14, 2011
Dear Gayle,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I remember after Mom died how Jim came over to the convent and offered me her little table that he had made for her.
I was so thrilled and I now have it in
a corner by my door here at the Mother
House. You can't imagine how many
Sisters have stopped by and asked me where I bought it. I had to tell them
it was made special for someone and that I had inherited it. How much more
important to me now!
I had no idea that Jim had been ill. What a grand reunion for Jim and his mom in eternity! Be assured of my prayers.
What a wonderful man he had been to so
many. Blessings and prayers,
Sister Grace Scola
Andy Valkanoff
March 14, 2011
Aunt Gayle and Kelly - I will always remember the integrity for which Uncle Jim based his life upon. We will miss Jim's warmth and great laughs. I love you both - Christina, Andy, and Addison (soon)
March 14, 2011
We are close friends of Miki and Dennis Valkanoff in Elk Rapids, Michigan and want to express our deepest sympathy to the family of James Paul Kirker. We have heard so many wonderful things about Miki's wonderful brother and are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Susan and Gordon Ash
March 14, 2011
Gayle and family
This is sad news, really do not know what to say. We had a lot of good memories. Our thoughts are with the Kirker family. Regards Dave Keenan
GORDON&PAT STONEY
March 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim Wentzloff
March 13, 2011
Gayle,We have been so blessed to have been introduced to you and Jim by Vicki and Frank. We have truly enjoyed our time with Jim whether it be golfing, playing cards or games or just hanging out at one of our cocktail parties. Jim's smile and laughter will never be forgotten. It has been a honor calling him our friend. Love, Jim & JoAnne
March 13, 2011
Jim & I were next door neighbors and childhood friends on Clemens St. in Lansing. We spent many years playing baseball, hide & seek, and all the other things kids did before the internet and computers. We once ruled the streets with our home made swords and shields made from garbage can lids. Lots of fond memories of a great friend.
Jeff Harkness
Brent Tissue
March 13, 2011
To the Kirker family, I'm deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. A friend from childhood. Brent Tissue
Judy Climer
March 13, 2011
Dear Gayle and family:
So sorry to hear this. Jim was a respected educator, and I was proud to work with him when I served on the Kearsley Board of Education. While he was Principal at Atherton, he accepted a student who had been suspended from another school district. The boy's mother was my friend. I'm proud to tell you that because Jim gave the young man a second chance, he's now in medical school. Jim cared about his students. Know my prayers are with you at this time.
Deb Jones
March 13, 2011
Jim, you were my mentor when we were principals together. You mentored me in how to do my job and you mentored me in life. You made my bad days tolerable and my good days even better. You helped me see that being a good principal was not nearly as important as being a good person. You often reminded me to focus on the truly important things in life -- laughter, love, family, and friends and you lived what you taught. You had such a big heart and proved it by leaving a small piece of it behind with all those whose lives you touched. I will miss you dear friend.
Derek Gohl
March 13, 2011
Mr Kirker was my principal in middle school then at high school I can say that when I went to school and that I remember that his smile was warmth. Yes I did get bad at school sometime that he always gave me what I got from him and he will be great mentor.. He was an good guy... God Bess his family..
Sue Garza
March 13, 2011
Jim was a principal for my first year of teaching and I still remember his smile and warmth. What a great mentor for a new teacher! I have always thought of him fondly and am sending love to his family. Sue Garza, Atherton High School
March 13, 2011
Gayle, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Jim and the many years I spent with you at Mt. Hope School and then knowing Jim at Eastern. Prayers to you and Kelly and all of your extended family. I know how much you will miss him. Linda Reniger Brown
Melissa King-Daggett
March 13, 2011
Mr. Kirker was a wonderful guy. He fit right in at Atherton when he came there my senior year in 1999. Always ready with a joke to make you laugh or a shoulder so you could cry, he was like family to many of us at the school. It was an honor to know him.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. He will be missed immensely but he will always live on through the stories that everyone has.
Merry (Burau) Paulson
March 12, 2011
Jim was a friend, teacher and a true leader. Jim and Gayle have touched my life in so many ways. Jim demonstrated himself to me as a true professional and very compassionate man. He will be remembered by all of the people whose lives he touched. We will certainly miss his smiling eyes!
March 12, 2011
Gayle,
We were blessed to have you and Jim at Kearsley Schools as our kids grew up. His smile and genuine interest in others will be missed greatly. Gary & Christy Richmond
March 12, 2011
Sorry for your loss Gayle. Jim was everything that was said about him in the obit.. To me he was a class act and a credit to his profession. I'm sure you will go on even though times will be hard. You are a strong lady. Love and prayers. Dave&Millie Angus
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in James Kirker's name
Memorial Events
for James Kirker
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Kirker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
