James E. Kirkman, 92, of Portage, Indiana passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Aviva Senior Living in Valparaiso. He was born November 23, 1932, in Todd County, Kentucky to James “Riley” & Agnes Stella (nee Comperry) Kirkman and serve proudly with the U.S. Army. Jim made his career with U.S. Steel Garyworks for 35 years retiring as a supervisor. He had been a very active member of the Portage Moose Lodge, Portage V.F.W., Porter Lodge F&AM, and Orak Shrine. He enjoyed his time working with the Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, and all of the adventures he had delivering motor homes far and wide in retirement. But most of the beloved retirement stories involve winters in Florida on Lake Okeechobee fishing with his brothers. Locally, it was the breakfast group at the Portage Burger King that accounted for legendary stories.
Survivors include his children: Linda (Bob) Savage of Warsaw, Indiana, David Kirkman of Westville, Indiana, siblings: Lendon “Fuddy” (Ruth) Kirkman, Edith Shanklin & Mildred Wasdin, grandchildren: Benjamin, Jennifer, Nicole, Kathleen, Chad, Tyler, Christine & Jayme, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Judith Kirkman, step-daughter, Sandy Allison, and siblings: Opal, Sylvia, R.C., Coy, Daniel & Mary.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 8th from 1 – 3 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 3:00 pm. A burial service will be held at the Kirkman family cemetery in Allegre, Kentucky the following week. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for everyone’s loss. Jim was a unique person and had a great sense of humor. My fondest memories of him were from the 1970’s when I was a teenager and later after my retirement from the USAF. We enjoyed each others company and his passing is a great loss for me. Jim was the last of my uncles in my family. Hope he’s found a great place to fish with his brothers. -Ken Patton
