James Kirkwood

James "Jim" Porter Kirkwood, 60, of Casper was called by the Lord on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

He was born In Casper, Wyoming, January 18th, 1956 to Porter & Lee Kirkwood. He lived in Wyoming most of his life and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. His great passion in life was music. He played in several local bands around town in the 80's and 90's. In the late 80's Jim was involved in a car accident that left him disabled. However, he still loved music and continued to write songs, play the guitar and sing. Jim was in a long term relationship with Brenda Bard for 21 years where he became the father figure to two daughters, Jacqui Perrone, and Brandi Bard. He then became a proud grandfather to Xavier, Andrea, Lucas, Jeremy, and Katelyn. He enjoyed teaching them to play the guitar and introduced them to the famous Mr. "B".

The brutal winters in Wyoming took Jim to Arizona for a brief period, but he did not like being away from his family and friends, so he returned. He developed many new relationships and strengthened others. He moved in with his close friends Zate and Tami. They enjoyed camping, fishing and of course playing the guitar and singing. Zate passed away, and Jim continued to live with Tami. Through this difficult time, Jim and Tami cared for each other. He continued to write music, work on his computer and coached his nephews on the finer things in life. He enjoyed spending time with his family to include his visits with his brothers Randy, Mike and Jack. He enjoyed working on houses in which he helped Jack remodel his basement. Jim also followed in his dad's footsteps and dabbled in sheet metal work. He also worked in insulation alongside is brother Randy. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his sister. When they were little Jim would torment her, but as adults they loved each other very much, and she began to torment him to keep him in line. They developed a strong bond with many good memories. Any chance Jim got he was encouraging and teaching music to his great nephews who adored him.

Jim is survived by his father Porter Kirkwood (Doris), of Casper. He is also survived by siblings Mike Kirkwood of Gretna, Randy Kirkwood of Casper, Linda Schulz (Scott), of Casper, Jack Riggs (Kathy), of Casper, and John Crane of Barstow. He is also survived by numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Lee Minear, sister Deborah Kirkwood, both paternal and maternal grandparents, numerous uncles, friends and band members who he considered family.

We will be celebrating his life on June 5, 2016, at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at Hilltop National Bank in his name for a scholarship to be chosen at a later date.