James William Kirkland, 72, of Sweet Home died near Reedsport on Thursday, May 6, 2010. He was born in Flippin, Arkansas, the son of Floyd and Myrtle (Swan) Kirkland. After graduating from Flippin High School and serving four years in the United States Navy, he met and married Marion Alice Leach on July 3, 1965. They briefly lived in Eureka, California before moving to the Brownsville- Crawfordsville area in 1970.

James was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also enjoyed gardening and caring for the multiple groups of Western Bluebirds that nested on his property each spring. James was a Mason and a member of the Crawfordsville Christian Missionary Alliance Church, the Sweet Home VFW, and Lebanon American Legion.

He is survived by: son, Todd E. Kirkland of Gold Beach, OR; daughter, Brenda J. Collins of Albany, OR; daughter, Rene Kirkland of Bend, OR; and four grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Betty Wilson, Nina Wood, and Kay Woods of Flippin, AR.

James was preceded in death by: his wife, Marion (2001); brother, Corliss ( 2000); and sister, Velma (2005).

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, May 14, at the Crawfordsville Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.