James Alan Kirkland, also known as Al, Jim, and The Train Guy was 72 years old, he lived at 187 Concord Circle Panama City, FL. 32405. He passed on January 31, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. James was born October 22, 1950 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Paul and Nina Kirkland.
He moved to Panama City, FL at the age of 8, and attended Drummond Park Elementary (Lucille Moore), then he went on to Everett Middle School and then he was the first class to attend Mowat Middle School in the 8th Grade. James graduated from Bay High School in 1969 and also attended Gulf Coast College. He went on to join the military serving 4 years in the Air Force active May 27, 1971 to May 26, 1975, became reserve May 25, 1975 to May 26, 1977, then he enlisted in the Army active December 30, 1976 to January 24, 1985. He became reserve January 24, 1985 to 1993. In the Air force, he worked with telephone switching equipment, and in the Army he worked with the Hawk Missile System, while in the army he received multiple achievement awards. After proudly serving the military, he did various construction jobs. He also built custom model trains, then he joined the hobby shop business called Kirkland Hobbies with his son, David Kirkland. He loved to go to the 23rd Street Waffle Shoppe to spend time with friends and family and talk trains.
James Alan Kirkland is survived by is son, David Michael Kirkland aka Booters; daughters: Kyoko Leiane Guy aka Yean m. Tim Guy, Nina Kay Melvin aka Baby Girl m. Timothy Melvin, grandchildren Charles
Anthony Shultz aka Voop, Sara Kay Shultz aka Bear, Thomas Glen Guy aka Tomas, Alex Jaden Shultz aka Buca, and Kaylee Rose Melvin aka Bug. Great grandchildren Stephanie Kay Horta and James Alfredo Horta, and his beloved cat Jinks.
The family will receive friends at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Jack Hankins officiating.
Click here to view a webcast of the service on 2/5/2023 at 02:55 PM, Central Standard Time.
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