Jimmie "Jim" Kirkhart

   Jimmie Lee “Jim” Kirkhart, (80) of Sandy Springs, GA passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 after a short illness.

   Jim was born in Keokuk, Iowa on December 1, 1943 and at eight days old was adopted by his parents Ethel Mae (Benjamin) Kirkhart and Ernest Wilsey “Ernie” Kirkhart.

   With encouragement from family members who lived in Jacksonville, FL the Kirkhart family moved to Florida in November 1956 when Jim was just shy of 13 years old.

   On December 28, 1961, having just turned 18, Jim joined the United States Navy, where he served for four years and four months. He was honorably  discharged on April 24, 1966.

   Jim worked as a printer for many years, before trying out a number of other professions.

   In December 1984 Jim located his birth mother (Ruth) in Carthage, Illinois and found that he had two brothers (Dick and Jack), one sister (Pat), and  many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was able to meet all of his new found  family in August 1985 when he took a trip to Illinois.

      Jim is predeceased by both of his parent, his birth mother, his three siblings and many other family members.

  He leaves behind his daughter, Amanda Leigh Kirkhart-Betz and son-in-law Walter Betz of Jacksonville, FL, his partner Fred Peggs and his sister Debbie Peggs, Amanda’s mother, Bettie Kirkhart, also of Jacksonville, many relatives and friends and last but not least, his beloved pet, Kirby.

   The family will be planning a memorial gathering for Jim at the Raleigh Square Condominiums Club House in Sandy Springs, GA at a date yet to be determined.

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