Memorial Services for Jim Kirkland, Age 77 of Gainesville, Missouri will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at The Gainesville Church of Christ, Gainesville, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, Missouri.
James Conniedean Kirkland left this world for his heavenly home early in the morning of May 7, 2026, at his home in Clarkridge, Arkansas. Jim was born to Billy Ray and Norine Helen (Cutbirth) Kirkland on February 5, 1948, in the family home near Norfork Lake at Liner Creek.
Jim grew up roaming the Howards Ridge countryside from sunup till sundown most days as a young boy. He began his relationship with the Lord at a young age. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1966. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam in May 1968. Upon leaving the Air Force in 1972, he eventually settled close to his childhood home to raise his family. He worked as an electrician at Baxter Healthcare until his retirement in 1999. He spent many years beyond that working independently in carpentry jobs.
Other than his family, Jim loved fishing, from his youth to tournament fishing as a young adult. Later in life, he enjoyed a quieter lake experience fishing for many years with the Ozark County Bass Club and partnering up with many old and new friends.
Jim prided himself on growing a garden. Every early spring, he would start his early garden favorites, filling it out with late Spring standards as the days warmed. Along with his garden, Jim enjoyed cooking. He had the talent for cobbling together this and that from the refrigerator and the pantry to make the tastiest meals. He wasn’t much for measuring cups or following recipes.
Perhaps even more than fishing and gardening, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a dedicated father to his girls and loving husband to his wife, Patrice, with whom he shared his last years. He rededicated his life to the Lord later in life and was an active member of the Gainesville Church of Christ.
Jim is survived by his wife, Patrice, of the home; three daughters Chasta (Travis) Sanders of Willis, TX; Shiloh (John) Beeman of Springfield, MO; and Fawn Kirkland of Heber Springs, AR; a son-in-law, Marty Hamm; seven grandchildren: Chase (Liz) Allen; Jordan (Jonathan) Allen; Micah (Merritt) Roach; Ashtyn O’Malley; Shepherd Kirkland; Keri (Greg) Swadley; and Nathan (Emily) Beeman; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Susan Evans, and one daughter Brandy Hamm.
God bless all who knew him and loved him. He certainly fought the good fight. May we all meet on Heaven’s shore one day.
