James P. Kirkland Sr.

1933 - 2022

James P. Kirkland, Sr. "Paul" passed away on February 21, 2022. Born on May 25, 1933 to parents Wyatt L. Kirkland and Inez Wood Kirkland. He grew up in southeast Alabama where he attended Dale County High School, and subsequently served in the US Army during the Korean War. Following his time in the Army, Paul worked in Norfolk, VA for approximately 2 1/2 years. During his time in Norfolk, he met his bride to be, Grace and after he returned to Alabama and enrolled at Auburn University, he and Grace were married and she joined him at Auburn. After Paul's graduation, they relocated to Newport News, Virginia where Paul was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding, and hence a 32 year career with the shipyard, where he served in various management positions, including ship construction and plant engineering. While working in the Shipyard, Paul became associated with Bayport Credit Union (then Newport News Shipbuilding Employee's Credit Union) where he served as a Director for 42 years. During that time he served, at one time or another on all Board Committees, including 14 years as Chairman of the Board, Paul served on the Virginia Credit Union League Board of Directors; the Virginia League Corporate Federal Credit Union Board of Directors; and as the Virginia Corporate Federal Credit Union CEO. He also served as Chairman of the Virginia Governmental Affairs Committee; was a member of the Warwick Lions Club serving as President for 4 years; and a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and served on various committees, including a Charity Golf Tournament, which returned approximately $100,000 back into the community. A volunteer at the PGA and LPGA golf tournaments at Kingsmill for 35 years, he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at the Williamsburg Golf Club where he had been a member for 50 years. Paul is survived by his wife, Grace of 63 years; and by two sons James P. Kirkland, Jr. "Jim" of Williamsburg, VA and Michael L. Kirkland of Richmond, VA. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 17 at Jamestown Presbyterian Church, 3287 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 beginning at 11:00AM. His request was that in lieu of flowers donations should be made to Jamestown Presbyterian Church (www.jamestownpresbyterianchurch.com) or a favorite charity. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.