James Dale Kirklin

Passed away, as he lived most of his life, gently and peacefully Thursday morning, March 11, 2021 at Kairos Dwelling. Jim was born July 14, 1937 in Kalamazoo, the eldest child of Chester and Ruth (Rice) Kirklin, owner/operators of Walnut Manor Farms. Upon graduation from Galesburg-Augusta High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve where he served for 6 years. While there, he was encouraged by his Executive Officer to enroll in what was then known as Western Michigan College of Education. In his sophomore year at Western, he obtained a Second Class Radiotelephone Operator license, which allowed him to work at the then radio station WMCR (now WMUK). In 1960, he took a temporary job installing a television studio for the now official Western Michigan University. That 'temporary' job turned permanent and 40 years later, he retired as Director of Media Service in January 2001.

Throughout his life, Jim was also active in amateur radio with his call sign as K8EMT. He was a bit of a storm chaser, reporting on severe weather through his ham radio to other operators in Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties. He also borrowed his parent's farm generator for the annual Ham Radio Field Day, powering all the radios for the weekend and making contacts all over the world. He was an enthusiastic and skilled photographer, always carrying his camera with him to his children and then his grandchildren's events. He took wonderful nature photos, many of which he had framed. Although he had determined in high school that he would not be a farmer, he kept a backyard vegetable garden for many years; was meticulous about the care of such and his yard. He was extremely fond of nature and filled with knowledge regarding most living things, birds and trees especially. He enjoyed most types of music, from classical to movie soundtracks - a little bit of everything except opera! He was a member of the Knights of the Round Table and delivered Meals on Wheels. He also was a member of the Kalamazoo Dance Club; he enjoyed square dancing, ballroom and contra. He was still dancing through 2019. After his retirement, he traveled through parts of Europe, became involved with the Red Cross and was a member of the Mattawan Village Council.

Jim came into our, his children's lives, when we were almost all teenagers. He became the Dad we didn't know we needed. As a dad, he was loving, calm, dedicated, accepting, patient, honest, with a sly sense of humor, a kind soul, a gentle spirit, stubborn and loyal to a fault. Adopting three children of that age speaks to his heart and honor. At his side during his remaining days, we tried to assure him he was a good dad; we were blessed to call him ours. He was not perfect, but he was perfect for us. He loved us fully and was fully loved by us in return.

Jim is survived and will be greatly missed by his children, Scott and Leone Kirklin, Lisa and Dale Evans, Stephen and Gina Kirklin; 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Cory) Gross; Aleena Evans, Michael Fish, Geoff Kirklin, Christopher Fish, Miles Fish, Maxwell Evans, Tremor Evans, Paul Evans, Cory Evans; and 9 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Mary (Budd) Remer, Raymond (Susan) Kirklin, Rose Bauckham, Steve (Paula) Kirklin, Linda Hamil, Molly (Gary) Cole; and many, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both his parents; brothers, Ted (surviving wife Pat) Kirklin and Derald (Lang) Kirklin; and a brother-in-law, John Bauckham. A memorial celebration will be held July 25 from 1 to 6pm, at Markin Glen Park, in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, WMUK Radio, or the Alzheimer's Association.