(417) 581-7811
PO Box 796, 1700 South 15th Ave, Ozark, MO 65721
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James Roy Kirkland March 16, 1927 - November 26, 2013

Barnes Family Funerals - James Roy Kirkland

James Roy Kirkland, age 86, of Ozark, MO passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 after battling Mesothelioma. He was born March 16, 1927 at Liner Creek, MO near Howards Ridge to James Bonnie and Etta (Ellison) Kirkland. He married Wanda Lea Dover on September 6, 1953. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda, sister Christine Stone and brother Bill. He is survived by his sons and their families, Jim of Ozark, his wife Mila and sons Corey and Mason, and Keith of Springfield, his wife Nancy and son Ben, his sister Waukee Poe of Udall and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim joined the navy and served in World War II aboard the escort carrier USS Saidor. After the war he worked as a pipefitter, building the Norfork Dam. He then went on an adventure to Alaska to work on the railroad. He settled down and married Wanda, worked for Boeing in Wichita until 1962, then moved back to Missouri. Jim was proud to be a union steam and pipefitter for over 50 years, a member of Local 178 in Springfield. He told many stories about the fascinating jobs he was a part of and the fellow “hands” he labored with. His craftsmanship is evident in many landmarks around Springfield today. Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. He had many cherished memories of fishing Lick Creek, the Norfork River, Bull Shoals Lake and running up and down the hollows of his home place. Later in life, Jim discovered his artistic talents and began painting, carving, and building miniature cabins, buildings, and figurines based on memories of growing up. No detail was too small! Jim cared for Wanda at home for nearly ten years as her health declined. His example to his family was a powerful witness of faith and commitment to his marriage vows of long ago. Jim and Wanda were members of the Southside church of Christ in Ozark since 1970. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford, MO. Celebration of life ceremony, with Pastor Chuck Eakins officiating will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 30, 2013 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. prior to the ceremony service. On line condolences may be shared atwww.barnesfamilyfunerals.com

Condolences(3)

  1. REPLY
    Glen & Sharon Maggard says

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim’s family . Was glad that we got to know Jim and Wanda over the past 20 years.

    God bless and keep each of you and I know how proud he was of his 3 grandsons.

  2. REPLY
    Katherine Whitaker Stone says

    My thoughts and prayers for your family. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person to know.

  3. REPLY
    Amber(Cozort)Redburn says

    Jim, Keith, and families,
    My parents(Norris/Ivene(Brickey)Cozort and I send our deepest sympathy upon the loss of your Father, James.

    Waukee’s husband, Willie, is related to my Mother. My Grandmother Barbara(Anderson) Brickey/Bassett and Willie’s Mother, Epsey, were 1/2 sisters. My parents were in attendance at the family reunion held this past late summer.

    We have each one of you in our daily prayers/thoughts. May God comfort, strengthen, and encourage each one of you thru this difficult time.May God bless each one of you.

    In Christian Love, Amber(Cozort)Redburn and Norris/Ivene Cozort

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