James Leroy Kirkham

Jim Kirkham, 80, of rural Livonia, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 27, 2019. He had been in declining health for some time.

James Leroy Kirkham was born in Quincy, IL, on September 25, 1939, the son of James and Virginia (Wright) Kirkham. He was reared in Quincy and Kirksville, MO, and attended school in Kirksville. Jim married Carol Clark in Graysville, MO, on July 7, 1961. Jim and Carol began married life in Graysville where Jim worked in the coal mines. He also worked at the Unionville power plant and drove a school bus. At one time Jim owned and operated his own truck and then later worked for Hines Trucking in Unionville, retiring from there.

Even though Jim had been afflicted with black lung for 40 years, he didn’t allow this to slow him down. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and doing anything outdoors. He also enjoyed playing music, riding motorcycles, and watching westerns on TV. He liked to play practical jokes on friends and family. Jim was saved and baptized at Faith Tabernacle in Graysville.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years and his four children: Judy (Max) Sloniger of Livonia, MO; Kenneth James Kirkham of Livonia, MO; Douglas Jay Kirkham of Kirksville, MO; and Mike (Kendall) Kirkham of Maywood, MO; His five grandchildren are Michael Kirkham, II, Haley Kirkham, Sydney Kirkham, Drew Kirkham, and Max Sloniger, II. Jim is also survived by two brothers, Phillip Kirkham and Everett David Kirkham, and one sister, Elouise Panton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Henry and Edna Clark, two sisters, Joyce Koenig and Dora Lee Behrendt, and Kenneth’s girlfriend, Carolynn Hashley.

Funeral services for Jim Kirkham will be at Omaha Baptist Church at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 30, 2019, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later time following cremation.

Memorials for Jim Kirkham are suggested to the family or to Omaha Baptist Church and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.