August 22, 1943 – December 20, 2023
James Kirkman, 80, of Bedford, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Born August 22, 1943, in Bedford, he was the son of Vernie and June (Thompson) Kirkman. He retired from General Motors, where he was a forklift operator moving hot metal. He was a Gillen Post #33 American Legion Honor Guard member, where he played Taps at funeral services. He was a member of the First Baptist Church Praise Band, Bedford Nostalgia Band, the Bloomington Community Band, The Dynamics, and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. He loved his dogs, Charlie Three Legs and Wilbur.
Survivors include a daughter, Kellie Phillips-Ortiz, and husband, Timothy, of Bedford; a sister, Bonnie Mullinax; two brothers, Vernie Daniel, and Orvis Kirkman; two grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Kenney; five great-grandchildren, Bentley and Braylee Combs, Makynlee, Jayden and Clayton Kenney.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alma Ruth Kirkman, and a brother, Jonathan Kirkman.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28th, in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Jason Filler officiating, where military rites will be accorded by Gillen Post #33 American Legion members. Burial will follow in Patton Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27th, and from 10:00 a.m.
until the hour of service on Thursday at the Day & Carter Mortuary.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
