James Ray Kirkwood - Online Memorial Website

Here we go again...another Easter weekend. Since the the day you were born Easter has always consumed me with thoughts of you.  We had planned a  Kirkwood Family picnic at the beach on your birthday.  You were almost a month late according to the doc's calculation...Ultrasound? What is that?  Not heard of....I just knew you were a boy.  Fetal weight....whatever, it was at the whim/feel of the Physican.  I had my OB appointment on Friday, I told her I was concerned that you were almost a month late.  She told me that you were not ready yet,  if you were born  then you wouldn't weigh 5 pounds.  I was concerned!

The next evening I started having contractions, this 17 year old wife and soon to be mother was shocked and appalled when my mother in law followed me to the bathroom to check out my toilet paper.  The doc said to go to the hospital and get checked out...no picnic for us.  

Your Dad had me out playing one on one to bring you on...I kept thinking you were to small.  My Mom and Aunt Myra were already had the hospital when they finally checked me in, Uncle Billy was there with a bleeding ulcer and pneumonia.  Your Dad told me he thought my brother was going to die.....  Only a dramatic delivery for you!  21 hours later, Easter Sunday, April 11, 1971 I delivered a 8lb 6ox baby boy.   You didn't want to come so soon, but when you did you never stopped running. I miss you Son.

yOy
  

 

 

I wouldn't know where to start. Just know I have a lot of memories, and think of Jimmy often. Four years come and gone. I hope to hit Stillwater this weekend, maybe a lost day for old times sake. See you up top Jimmy.

Jimmy, Andrew and I have inherited your dogs. How blessed we are too for it! They are amazing. We all love them to pieces! I just wish they would of came to us in the first place! You were totally right about them, we'll take great care of them for you and its our pleasure. We miss you Jimmy and look forward to being with you for all eternity. I love you so much my dear brother!!!!!!

I know I have shared this before, but my family is addicted to Little House on the Prairie and we nicknamed Jimmy Mr. Edwards b/c he is the friend you could always count on to show up at random times and pick up exactly where you left off months or years earlier. He also, like Mr Edwards, always had a song on his tongue, a smile on his face, and a bottle of something hidden in his pocket. He brought a lot of joy to our lives and the lives of our kids. Another TV personality who reminds us of Jimmy is Sawyer on Lost. His nicknames, rough & rugged exterior, teddy bear heart, and fierce loyalty to those he loves reminds us so much of Jimmy. We think about him so often and will never forget him!

This is something I wanted to share my mom wrote it exactly a year ago today...

  It is not the anniversary of his death, it is not his birthday, its Easter weekend. Jimmy was born on Easter Sunday almost 37 years ago. I’m sure that is why I’ve had been blessed with the relief of spending the weekend shedding tears for MY LOSS, the loss of my son. Honestly my shrink will be proud of the baby steps made this weekend.



Every since the moment I heard the words that Jimmy died I have been consumed with what Jimmy had lost. Not just his life but the chance to watch the son he had desperately wanted for so many years grow up, the stepdaughter that he adored, the dogs that went hand and hand with him. The niece and nephew that he never got to meet, the niece who he did know and loved with all his heart. The sister who idolized him, tormented him, cut him no slack, but wouldn’t go to bed without speaking to him every day.

I’ve always known that Jimmy is in heaven, I just didn’t think he’d be comfortable there. This weekend Sarah was able to show me that he is comfortable there. He’s taking care of those we have lost before him and waiting for us to join him.

Baby steps, but a step in the right direction. I love and miss you so much Son.