James "Jim" Kirkland

1928 - 2025

James (Jim) Edwin Kirkland passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025 at the age of 97. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many, Jim was widely known as a kind, loyal and generous man. He was truly an all around good guy.Jim was born on the ninth day of March 1928, the son of Orin and Cleo Kirkland, in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas in 1945. After graduation, Jim headed to Texas A&M University on a full basketball scholarship and was a proud member of Corps of Cadets. He was a four year letterman in basketball. Upon graduation in 1949, Jim went to work for Sun Oil Company. He spent his career in various roles in the upstream oil and gas industry, including banking and with Partners Oil Company. While at Sun Oil Company, Jim met his wife of 74 years, Barbara Ann Kirksey. Jim loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was an active member of A&M United Methodist Church. He gave generously of his time and energy to many interests but none more passionately than his beloved Texas A&M. He remained connected to Aggie basketball long after graduation and proudly participated in the 100-year reunion of A&M basketball in 2012. Jim was an active member of the Aggie club (now the 12th Man Foundation) since 1956 and contributed to a 12th Man Foundation Endowed Scholarship in 1997. Jim also helped found the Texas A&M Sports Museum and served as a volunteer docent for many years. He was a founding committee member for the Texas A&M Lettermen's Association remaining active throughout his life. Jim was an avid sports fan. He grew up rooting for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, enjoyed the Houston Oilers and Astros while living in Houston, but nothing compared to his passion for the Aggies. He rarely missed a home game in Kyle Field. After retirement he and Barbara moved to College Station and became regulars at Texas A&M sporting events. If a score was being kept, they had season tickets to it. Jim's greatest love was his family. He and Barbara raised two children and were blessed with four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Jim delighted in attending countless games, meets and recitals, always cheering from the stands. Watching his grandchildren grow and begin families of their own brought him immense pride and happiness. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Barbara Kirksey Kirkland; his children, Karen Kirkland McConnell (Mac), Thomas Edwin Kirkland (Melinda); his grandchildren, Claire McConnell Litz (Justin), Allison McConnell Monroe (Price), Taylor James Kirkland (Kelsey), Jordan Kirkland Decker (Glenn); and his greatgrandchildren Brady and Jane Kirkland, Keller and Willam Litz, Eloise and George Monroe and Joseph and Jeremiah Decker. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Lillie's Place, Christian Care Community of Mesquite, Texas, and others whose care brought comfort and dignity to Jim's final years. Jim was laid to rest in the Memorial Cemetery of College Station (Aggie Field of Honor). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students.