Obituary for James Earl Kirk
Jr.
Published in Ocala Star-Banner from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2015
Jim Kirk, 88, died November 18,
2015 in Ocala FL. He was born July 4, 1927 in Morristown TN where he grew
up and graduated from Morristown High School in 1946. He was preceded in
death by his parents Zula Grace Dickerson Kirk and James Earl Kirk Sr; and
his beloved sisters Carolyn Pack, Middie Crosby and Billie Cockrum. He is
survived by his wife of 64 years Mary (Biddie) Fisher Kirk; children Debbie
Kirk of Raleigh NC, Russell Kirk (Monika), John Kirk (Rhonda), and Richard
Kirk (Dawn), all of Ocala; grandchildren Tyler Williams (Bridgit), Matt
Kirk (Emily), Andrew Kirk (Michelle), Sarah Kirk and Jimmy Kirk; step
grandchildren Amberr Johns (Adam), Benjamin Draime, Brandon Raczkowski and
Brent Raczkowski; extended family including special nieces and nephews; and
many dear friends including colleagues Helen Helvenston and Carol
Carpenter.
He enlisted in the US Army and served in Occupied Japan with the First Cavalry Division from 1946-48 before returning to attend college on the GI Bill. Born on the 4th of July, he was proud of his military service and very patriotic throughout his life. His 4th of July celebrations were legendary.
Jim received a BA in Communications from Florida State University in 1952 and was the first student to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He and Biddie moved to Ocala in 1953 so he could manage a new radio station, WMOP. He became known as "Country Jim" as he created and hosted a live morning show from behind a large window in his studio downtown. People would drive by just to get a mention from him on the air as his listeners became a part of his show. He started the Seminole Broadcasting Network and was for many years the "voice of Seminole football." He purchased WMOP and later WFUZ but his passion was always broadcasting using his distinct voice and his ability to talk to anyone and about anything. He was constantly in demand to make commercials which he did from every venue imaginable. His most unusual promotion was the first underwater broadcast using a submerged studio from Silver Springs.
He was a staunch believer in the value of education and his generosity benefits countless students. He chaired the Board of Trustees at the College of Central Florida and with his wife established the Jim and Biddie Kirk Scholarship at CCF. His contributions to Florida State University are many including the establishment of the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications. He was a member of presidential search committees at CCF and FSU. He served as President of the National Seminole Boosters and in "retirement" worked for the FSU Foundation and Semi-nole Boosters, leaving a lasting legacy in the Seminole Nation.
Jim believed he was blessed and felt called to give back through his many civic and philanthropic commitments. He was a man of action and principle, a savvy businessman who never forgot where he came from and took nothing for granted. He had a heart for people in need, and along with his public efforts he quietly assisted countless people. His life reflected his values of hard work, honesty, generosity and perseverance and he supported causes and institutions he believed in. Public service was a responsibility he took seriously and his contributions to Ocala are many. He served as City Councilman, three terms as Mayor and he helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal. With Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez he worked diligently dur-ing integration and he was respected as a thoughtful and wise leader who sought peaceful resolutions to difficult issues.
He was a member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and served as President. One of his favorite club activities was the annual pancake fundraiser for Camp Kiwanis. He loved selling tickets and flipping pancakes so that all children could enjoy a camp experience. He also served as President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Ocala Jaycees and the United Way.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala for over 50 years where he served in numerous roles, including Deacon, Elder and long time teacher of the Men's Bible Study Sunday School Class for which he spent hours each week studying and preparing. He enjoyed the Men of Faith group, and was a faithful worshiper at the 8:15am service. His last evening was spent at church where he enjoyed visiting with everyone. His faith was the bedrock of his life from which he never wavered.
He led the city during times of growth and prosperity and was instrumental in bringing new business and opportunities to the city. He and Dick Chazal, Jim Jernigan and Doug Oswald worked with philanthropist Arthur Appleton to build the Appleton Mu-seum of Art in Ocala, now one of the city's treasures. He also understood the value of preserving historic properties and he and Biddie purchased the Marion Theater, donating it to the city so that generations to come would enjoy it.
Jim was a keen observer of life and was well known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a great story, whatever the subject matter. He published two books of poems, stories, and ramblings about anything and everything. He was a popular speaker at commencements and other public events. He had an eye for collecting things large and small including cars and coins. Two of his most prized collections he donated to FSU, Remington bronze sculptures now found throughout the campus and music memorabilia and instruments which are in the Kirk Collection in the FSU Broadcast Center.
He was a member of the Eight Pointers, a group of friends whose annual hunting trip to Texas became legendary. Jim was not actually a hunter, he participated for the relationships forged and the tall tales that emerged from each trip. In his later years he took up riding snow mobiles in West Yellowstone with his friends and his sons. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be passionate about their endeavors while following their dreams.
He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but was always humble about his accomplishments. He was a man of deep faith, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant. His voice may be silenced but his spirit lives on.