James Kirkpatrick

James Richard Kirkpatrick, died June 26th, 2015 in Salinas, California. Jim Kirkpatrick was born July 12th, in Saint Paul, Minnesota to David and Anna Kirkpatrick. All who were lucky enough to know Jim would agree that his drive, abundant energy and capabilities were exceptional. He shared his knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement generously. Even more generously, he shared his time and labors, helping remodel the homes of friends and family and making toys for underprivileged children. Jim studied philosophy, law, and project management and spent most of his accomplished career in defense contracting as an aerospace engineering project manager. Jim’s professional success was dwarfed by his personal achievements. Jim excelled at everything he was interested in and he was interested in everything. Jim was an accomplished carpenter, cabinet maker, poet, target shooter, master gardener - collected and traded delft, Holmesian literature, art, antiques, train memorabilia; made toys, fly fished, authored books, and most of all loved to teach his children and grandchildren. He will be missed. James Kirkpatrick is survived by his wife, Nancy and his three children and their spouses, John and Kara Kirkpatrick, Tony and Justine Bennett, Michael and Julie Kirkpatrick, and five grandchildren, Michael Bennett, Kylie Bennett, Jadon Bennett, James Kirkpatrick and Lillian Elsa Kirkpatrick, and his siblings Lois May, Linda Cozic, LeeAnn Ramsburg, and Janet Distel. And, many nieces and nephews. Preceded by his brothers Gerry Kirkpatrick and Bill Lummel. A Memorial Service celebrating Jim Kirkpatrick’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th, at Kirby Park, Elkhorn Slough, the entrance located on Kirby Road at the intersection of Kirby Road and Elkhorn, Prunedale, California. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Amyloidosis Research at Amyloidosis.org.