John Milton Kirk Sr.

John Milton Kirk

August 9, 1939 - July 31, 2024

John Milton Kirk, a resident of Hot Springs Village, AR, went to be with His Lord and Savior Wednesday, July 31, 2024. 

He was born August 9, 1939, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to the late John and Edna Kirk. John went to Abilene Christian College where he met the love of his life, Bette Claire (James) Kirk. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business followed by his master’s degree in accounting. John and Bette Claire welcomed their three children while John worked at Timex Corp in Abilene. Their family then moved to Plymouth, Connecticut, followed by Little Rock, Arkansas. John and Bette Claire moved to Hot Springs Village, when John retired from Timex after serving as comptroller for 30 years. During retirement, John returned to work as a comptroller and consultant for the Alliance Rubber Company in Hot Springs. After his second retirement, he spent the rest of his days with friends and family.

John is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bette Claire (James) Kirk; son, John Kirk Jr., daughter, Melissa (Michael) Fugett; and son, James Ripley Kirk. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, John Kirk III (Erika), Emily Kirk (Manrique Guzman), Brittany Thomas, Hannah Elizabeth (Austin) Collier, Angus Kirk, Sarah Caroline (Jonathan) Smith, Sean Kirk, and Seamus Kirk. As well as seven great-grandchildren.

John was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and servant for Christ. Throughout his life, John loved the New York Yankees, traveling and antiquing with his wife, as they were members of the Flow Blue International Collectors’ Club. He also enjoyed golfing, reading, wood working, coffee, playing card games, and his grandchildren’s activities. He was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, participating as a scout himself, earning his Eagle Scouts rank, and continuing the love of scouts with his sons for many years. He was honored to receive the Order of the Arrow from his scouting peers. John was a disciple for Christ. He served in a variety of church ministries as a teacher and deacon throughout his life. He was a treasured member of The Village Church of Christ. His greatest joy was teaching his children and grandchildren about his faith and watching them accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 am, at The Village Church Of Christ, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, with Mr. Chad Knappier officiating.The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Christian Home or SOZO Recovery Center. In care of The Village Church of Christ. Arrangements were made under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home inside the Hot Springs Village. Guest may register at cedarvalefuneralhome.com