SFC Kirk Jonathan James, 77, of Frontenac, KS, died December 13, 2017, at his home following an illness.
Kirk was born September 28, 1940, in Portsmouth, VA, the son of Leslie L. and Lucille L. (Zeltman) James. Kirk grew up and attended various schools throughout the United States as a US Navy “brat,” graduating from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, NY, in 1958. Kirk joined the Marine Corps
following high school and later joined the US Army in 1965. He was a gallant hero in the Vietnam War and his actions saved many fellow soldiers in combat, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during Operation Attleboro. As a result of his gallantry, a street was named for him in South Vietnam. He was the only living soldier from that battle to receive the honor. His most significant medals include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was also selected to introduce Bob Hope during a USO show at the home of the "Big Red One" in Vietnam on Christmas day 1966. Always very modest with his accomplishments, he would find himself embarrassed when people recounted his deeds.
following high school and later joined the US Army in 1965. He was a gallant hero in the Vietnam War and his actions saved many fellow soldiers in combat, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during Operation Attleboro. As a result of his gallantry, a street was named for him in South Vietnam. He was the only living soldier from that battle to receive the honor. His most significant medals include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was also selected to introduce Bob Hope during a USO show at the home of the "Big Red One" in Vietnam on Christmas day 1966. Always very modest with his accomplishments, he would find himself embarrassed when people recounted his deeds.
In May of 1970, Kirk married Florence Roxanna D’Andrea of Riverside, CT; they later divorced in April of 1980. After moving to Greenwich, CT, he earned a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, and served in law enforcement for the Greenwich Police Department for 14 years until 1982. After a short break in service he re-enlisted as an Army Ranger right before the age cutoff. He completed airborne school and later became a counterintelligence agent. He retired after 20 years of active military duty and 6 years of reserve duty in 1995. Following retirement he moved to Pittsburg, KS. Kirk always held membership with the New Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church of Brooklyn, NY. Kirk was also a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of the Association of Retired Police Officers, a member of the First Infantry Division and the 28th Division, and was known to be passionate about animals with his support of the ASPCA. He enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, poker with fellow veterans, and attending Legion of Valor reunions. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his children Leslie A. Gavin and husband Kerry of Stamford, CT, and Elizabeth K. Holcomb and husband Matthew of Fairfield, CT; brother John James and wife Candy of Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren Quinn and Dylan Gavin and Mason and Riley Holcomb; niece and nephew Kali Christiansen and husband Drew of Frontenac, KS, and Ben James and wife Jessica of Pittsburg, KS; great niece and nephews Waylon, Livia, and Jackson; and his dog “Joe.” Kirk was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog “Cracker.”
Per Kirk’s wishes he will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at a later date where military honors will be conducted. To view a complete list of his military achievements, visit https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=SBVTimeLine&type=Person&ID=2264.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Peterson Outdoors Ministries Lodge of Hope, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or the ASPCA.
Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com . Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of
Pittsburg, KS.
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