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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
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James Kivlighan Obituary
Staunton - James "Jim" Richard Kivlighan, 82, husband of Joan (Williams) Kivlighan, of Staunton, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at his residence.
He was born June 1, 1938, in Staunton, a son of the late William Owen and Isabel (Briola) Kivlighan.
Prior to retirement, Mr. Kivlighan was employed by the Staunton City Schools as Principal at Bessie Weller Elementary School.
Family members include a son, James R. Kivlighan, Jr. and his wife, Mia; two daughters, Laura O. Kivlighan and Helen K. Bell and her husband, Paul; two brothers, William O. Kivlighan, Jr. and Dr. Michael F. Kivlighan and his wife, Charlotte; a sister, Mary Carole Kivlighan; six grandchildren, Isa, Hanna, Jimmy III, Paulie, Joanie and Isaiah; a nephew, Michael; five nieces, Alycia, Lauren, Katherine, Virginia and Kathleen; and a special English bulldog, Jubilee.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Kivlighan Family Scholarship, c/o Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, PO Box 815, Staunton, VA 24402.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kivlighan
Sponsored by Henry Funeral Home.
LEVIS BROWN JOHNSON
April 13, 2021
So very sorry to hear of his passing. Mr. K as I called him was a man with a good heart who made school a good place for me. He was very easy to talk to and a good listner. Prayers sent to Mrs. K and family and all those whose lives he touched
Rochelle M Johnson
March 24, 2021
My condolences to you Mrs. Kivlighan and your family
Sonja Waters
March 22, 2021
To the family, sorry for your loss. He will sadly be missed.. He taught my children and their children. Know that he is with God.
Terry and Sonja Waters and family
Pamela Salisbury Smith
March 22, 2021
I send my condolences to your family. Mr. Kivlighan was a wonderful and kind principal when I went to Bessie Weller. I still remember his warmth, caring, and smiles--he is still so vivid in my memories as a child. Bessie Weller was a great foundation for who I am today. God bless your family. Always remember the fun and good times with Mr. Kivlighan. He will always be with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Pamela Salisbury Smith
Ashley and Janice Conroy,
March 21, 2021
Heartfelt on the loss of you father. Nee life experiences ahead. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love, Ashley and Janice Conroy
Tracy Campbell
March 21, 2021
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mr K! He was a great man,a great role model and he will be dearly missed! Prayers to all u guys!
Glenn A Graves
March 21, 2021
I´m deeply sorry for your lost. He kept wanting me to call him Jim but I couldn´t. I truly respected him not just as my teacher,mentor,but as a true friend and co-worker on the electoral board. I´m already missing him. To the family, God is getting a really good one.
Dana M Eastman
March 20, 2021
Sadness at the loss of an amazing boss, principal, and friend. His smile kept his staff on top. Much loved.
Judieanne Conner
March 20, 2021
Thank you to the best principle , teacher, and friend ever! The Staunton City Schools and students were blessed to have you. I´m so glad I was one of those students!
Amanda Brown
March 20, 2021
Mr. Kivlighan was my principal at Bessie Weller in the mid 70´s. My two older siblings had been at Bessie Weller for several years so I had met Mr. Kivlighan before. To a small child he could seem very imposing, but he was the sweetest man you´d ever want to meet. I was a very timid child and he had the ability to make one feel at ease and he always remembered everyone´s name. Looking back I can´t imagine how he did that. I left Bessie Weller after the 3rd grade and had the pleasure of being taught by his sister at Wilson Elementary. Later I got to meet Dr. Kivlighan while working for the city of Waynesboro.
My heart and prayers go out to your family. You are all such dear, sweet people and I will always have special memories of Mr. Kivlighan.
Gary and Cathy Horne
March 20, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
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Henry Funeral Home1030 West Beverley Street P. O. Box 1076, Staunton, VA 24401-3110
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