James C. Kirkpatrick

Funeral will be held Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at 3 p.m. at Village Chapel for Mr. James C. Kirkpatrick, 68, of Attalla, who peacefully passed away August 20, 2015, after a battle with cancer, while surrounded by his loving family and friends. Bishop Alan G. Nelson will be officiating. Interment will be at Rainbow Memorial Cemetery. Village Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is directing.
Born to CJ and Virginia Kirkpatrick on August 26, 1947, in Gadsden, Ala., he was of the Morman faith and a member and elder of the Church of Jesus Christ.
At the age of 20, James made a brave decision to serve his country. He entered the U.S. Army on December 11, 1967, and served his Tour of Duty in the Republic of Vietnam from 1968-1969. He was honorably discharged from service on August 9, 1974. Then, on August 10, 1974, he entered service with the Alabama Air National Guard, where he served until he honorably retired from service on December 28, 1988. James received many awards and decorations throughout his 21-plus years of Military Service.
He was employed by Schnitzer Southeast LLC. for more than 30 years. He enjoyed reading a good Western, spending time with his family, playing in the yard with his fur babies, and Alabama football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, CJ and Virginia Kirkpatrick; daughter, Connie Franklin; and grandson, Wayne Franklin.
He leaves behind to cherish his precious memories, the absolute love of his life, his devoted wife of 33 years, Elaine Kirkpatrick; daughters, April (Tim) Pate, Dale (Nathan) Jones; sons, Eric (Mindy) Kirkpatrick, James Franklin, Rodney (Sharon) Franklin; chosen daughter, Donna Allen; sisters, Dianne (Robert) Moore, Yvonne Phillips; brother, David (Vonda) Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Tyler Womack, Koty and Dawson Franklin, Nicholas, Memorie, Jessica and Brandy Franklin, Sidney, MacKenzie and Michael Kirkpatrick; and five great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thanks to Courtney Linam; Gentevia Home Health & Hospice; Angie McCall, Penny Johnson, Richard Bradford and Sarah Gatlin, Dr. KJ Shah, Dr. Amin, Dr. Harrison, Dr. Sengar and Jerry's Pharmacy.
Pallbearers will members of Church of Jesus Christ.
Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Schnitzer Southeast LLC
Family will receive visitors from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.villagechapelfuneralhome.com.