James Kilgore

1957 - 2018

James Kilgore

Nashport - James "Jim" William Kilgore, 60, of Nashport, was reunited with his son, Mason, and a host of family and friends at the middle gate, south wall of heaven on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Jim was born April 13, 1957 in Niles, Ohio a son of the late Howard F. and Evelyn Ball Kilgore. He graduated from Union Local High School in 1975 and entered the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy in 1979. He retired from the Ohio Highway Patrol after thirty two years of service.

Jim married Jane Spring on June 23, 1984. There was never a time when you spoke of Jim without mentioning Jane. Their names were intertwined as well as their faith and love for one another. They are the parents of three sons: Andy (Megan) Kilgore of Midland, Texas, Mason Kilgore whom preceded him in death, and Max Kilgore of Nashport. Jim was also blessed with two beautiful grandchildren that he adored, Clara Quinn and Jack William Kilgore. His heart was full when he spoke of his family. His love for them was the depth of the sea, and then some.

In addition to his family, Jim leaves to mourn his loss, his father and mother in-law Richard and Shirley Spring; a sister-in-law, Carol (James) Garanich; and a legion of friends including his OHSP family, the Dresden Coffee Crew, church family, and neighbors.

In addition to his parents and son he was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Kilgore.

Despite the tough exterior and persona of a Highway Patrolman, Jim had a very tender heart. He was compassionate, generous, thoughtful, and deeply caring. It wasn't unusual to see Jim stop by someone's house with a pie from a bakery he passed in his travels or a pound of bacon from his favorite butcher in Amish country. He gave out of the kindness of his heart without expecting anything in return.

Perhaps Jim's greatest passion, in addition to his family, was mentoring the next generation of youth through coaching, church activities, or just having treats in his freezer for all of the neighborhood kids. He was always encouraging, slipping money for gas or food, or taking kids to dinner. Jim always had a listening ear and a great deal of compassion and wisdom to share with anyone that he came into contact with.

Jim's impact on this community is deep and everlasting. His words, contributions, actions, and legacy will remain but his greatest desire would be for everyone to come to a knowledge of Christ while they still have time. Jim was a man of great faith and knowledge of the Bible. He not only knew it, he lived it. Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Meet Jim at the middle gate, south wall of heaven.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lifeline Christian Mission, 921 Eastwind Drive Suite 104, Westerville, Ohio 43081 or to Meadowview Church of Christ, 6750 Raiders Road, Frazeysburg, Ohio 43822.

Friends and family may call from 2:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the North Terrace Church of Christ, 1420 Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 with Mr. William L. Meaige and Mr. Sam Dunn officiating. He will be laid to rest at Williams Cemetery, Zanesville beside his father and son.

To send a note of condolence or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.