Jimmy Ray Kirkland

Jimmy Ray Kirkland, age 62, of Johnson, Kansas died Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the Stanton County Hospital in Johnson, Kansas. He was born January 24, 1954 in Lamar, Colorado, the son of James and Loretta (Tague) Kirkland.

Jim grew up in Springfield, Colorado until the age of 14 when he moved to Johnson with his family. He graduated in 1972 from Johnson High School. He worked from 1968-1983 for Ivan Josserand; 1983-1993 for Ted, Ella Mae and Basil Julian; then for Pat Josserand from 1993 until 2012. He was also a Dekalb Seed dealer. Jim was a big supporter of Pheasants Forever, belonging to the Southwest Kansas Ringnecks Chapter in Johnson. He has been involved in the chapter since the 1980’s and was instrumental in organizing the annual youth hunts and more recently the trap shoots. At the local chapter banquet in January, they honored Jim by naming the youth hunt the 12th Annual Jim Kirkland Youth Hunt. Jim fed the football boys steak at the end of their season for 14 years. He also shot the touchdown canon at the football games. Jim loved fishing, was an avid Bronco’s fan, and was a former member of the Jaycees. 

Jim married Denette Carol Gould on April 26, 1974 in Syracuse, Kansas. She survives.  

Other survivors include one daughter, Kandice Schwieterman of Syracuse, Kansas; three brothers, Loyd Kirkland of Manter, Kansas, John Kirkland of Harper, Kansas, Robert Kirkland of Thornton, Colorado; three sisters, Cathy Thomas of Pampa, Texas, Brenda Parks of Manter, Kansas, and Pam Moore of Johnson, Kansas; three grandchildren, Kaiya Maas and husband Montana, Abigail Schwieterman, and Madalyn Schwieterman; and his beloved companion, Bo. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tracie Kirkland; and brother, Olan Kirkland. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson, Kansas with Pastor Kurt Rovenstine officiating. Interment will follow at the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, Kansas. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. Memorial contributions may be given to the Jim Kirkland Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.