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James Kirkman Obituary
After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Jim passed away on October 22, 2012 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on June 20, 1933. After graduating high school, Jim met his future wife, Dorothy, and they were married on November 29, 1953. They moved to Texas, and Jim served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he attended Howard Payne College, earning a degree in English. Jim served in the ministry for many years throughout the state of Texas. In 1975 he and his family moved to Houston, and Jim acquired Worth Hydrochem of Houston. Jim developed a keen sense for business, and in 1981, he founded Wayne Enterprises, Inc. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Dorothy, daughter Denise Howard and her husband Ronnie, daughter Karen Talamas and her husband Patrick, grandson Ronnie Howard II and his wife Kerry, grandson Cutter Howard and his wife Jean Marie, grandsons Tanner, Logan and Levi Talamas, and great-grandson, Jackson. Jim's family would like to extend profound thanks to the staff of Silverado Memory Care Center and private caregiver, Terry Tolbert, for their loving care during his final years. Jim was a kind and compassionate man, who loved his family, his employees, and bluegrass music. Jim left a lasting impression on everyone's lives he touched and will undoubtedly be missed by many. A visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at 2:00pm on Friday, October 26, 2012 in the chapel of Klein Funeral Home at 9719 Wortham Boulevard, Houston, Texas.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kirkman
Ginger Campbell
October 19, 2024
I have fond memories of Jim sitting on the driveway with all the neighborhood kids playing. Such a nice man.
Elizabeth Jackson
October 26, 2012
Though I did not know Mr. Kirkman, I hold him and the family in my prayers today as we Remember those that have gone before us with Alzheimers. God Bless the family at this time.
Ginger Campbell
October 26, 2012
I am so sad to hear of Jim's passing. I know the angels are celebrating his arrival. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Jenni DePaul
October 25, 2012
Jim was my first boss at Wayne Enterprises when I was 16. He was always so very compassionate and loved by all of his employees. He will be greatly missed.
Sallynda Montz
October 25, 2012
Mr. Kirkman was a wonderful, hard working, honorable man who loved his wife and family. Great memories of him during my high school years with his daughters. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family now and always. Rest in peace Mr. Kirkman..the Lord was ready for you.
October 25, 2012
I will always remember Mr. Kirkman as an incredibly compassionate man. His kindness touched many and I will never forget his love of people. He taught me much as a young woman in the business arena, much of what I use today. Joe and I both had tremendous respect for him and will remember him fondly. Each of the family members are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you each!
Joe and Kelli
David and JoAnn Olson
October 24, 2012
We were all very sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person and a joy to know. Please extend our sympathy to your entire family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
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