Rev. James T. Kirk, Jr.

Condolences

Patti Nash lit a candle and writes,
I was heartbroken to hear of Fr. Kirk's passing on Thursday. He was such a wonderful human being. He wasn't crazy about hugs, so whenever I saw him I made sure I gave him a big squeeze. It's so unbelievable that he has passed but I'm sure my son, David came down to escort Home. They were great friends and he was a great help to my David through his long illness and imminent death. I am forever grateful for his love and friendship of my David.
11/30/2025 06:52 pm
Charlene Kobetis writes,
My friend, you helped me when I was struggling, you were there when I needed you & you were such an important part in my son Alex’s life. We had so much fun on our cruises and I will hold all those memories in my heart forever. I will miss you for forever and I ask you to pray for me & my family.
11/30/2025 07:18 pm
Ann L Carlton lit a candle and writes,
I met Father Kirk at my uncle Jim Stewart's funeral. Father Kirk did the service as he and uncle Jim had been friends for many years I hope that Father Kirk and uncle Jim are reunited and rejoicing in God's glory. May they both rest in eternal peace. Lynn Carlton
12/01/2025 08:37 am
Mark Anthony Christian writes,
I first met Jim at St. Mary's Seminary in Catonsville MD in 1975. I was privileged to serve on the parish council at Church of the Holy Child when Jim was pastor. We stayed in touch throughout the years and he was a great friend. He gave spiritual solace to my mother when she was dying and graciously officiated at her Mass of Christian Burial. The last few years have been difficult as he battled health issues Throughout it all he maintained his sense of humor. He was a remarkable man of faith. I will miss him.
12/01/2025 08:45 am
Dina Nardone, boys & family lit a candle and writes,
Sending all our love, prayers and thanks for the wonderful memories.
12/01/2025 11:05 am
fr joe mcmahon writes,
Father Kirk shared in the Paschal Mystery in his many illnesses. He was very kind to me personally when he was my associate at SMM. May he now have the reward promised to those who labor for the Gospel! Rest in peace Jimmy!
12/01/2025 11:59 am
John J Samluk lit a candle and writes,
So sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. I've known Jim since Sallies Days, and use to cut his hair for quite some time. He was quite a character and we always had a great time when we would see each other. I know he will be missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, John & Mari Samluk
12/01/2025 02:02 pm
Brian McClain lit a candle and writes,
God bless Father Jim. Great priest from a great family.
12/01/2025 02:13 pm
Nancy Frick writes,
Fr. Kirk was not a "morning person." When serving Mass for him it was "Good morning Father"...no questions or other comments! He became a good friend as he accompanied Gary and me through marriage prep and then officiated at our wedding in 1993. Afterwards we made sure to attend whatever Mass he had on our anniversary and receive his blessing. I was on parish council twice when he was pastor and he hired me as Rel Ed secretary. Once when he visited my mother in the ER she looked up and said, "Oh no if you are here I must be dying!!" These are just a few of many memories of Father from his time at Holy Child. He will be greatly missed. May he be warmly welcomed into eternal life. Our condolences to his family. Nancy and Gary
12/01/2025 02:24 pm
MaryKate Hollingsworth lit a candle and writes,
Thoughts and Prayers for the Kirk family at your time of loss. Rest in Peace Jimmy! Sincerely the Hollingsworth and Rispoli families.
12/01/2025 04:23 pm
Sonyia Brake writes,
Our family has known Fr Kirk since 1986 when he came to St Matthews. He fit right in to our family of 7 children, especially our youngest four. In fact he has stayed good friends with all nine of us. He called us in October about using Bishop Sheen’s traveling Mass kit Chalice for All Saints Day Mass. He went into the hospital the day before. Now, he will have a chance to meet Bishop Sheen in person! But what a special Blessed Mother Feast Day he died on - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal! We will miss him so much as will so many others. ❤️God love you, Father Jim & Sonyia Brake & Family
12/01/2025 06:26 pm
Divis Family lit a candle and writes,
Father Kirk, we will miss you. You gave our sons the opportunity to be altar servers, and Luke in particular loved serving at Mass with you. Luke loved how you’d joke around with him saying things like “Oh, no. Just what I need” when you’d see Luke getting ready in the sacristy. But we know Luke brought laughter and joy to you, and you did the same for him. Rest in eternal peace, Father.
12/01/2025 08:01 pm
Dana Foster-Parkinson lit a candle and writes,
Fr. Kirk was such a great priest. He was a wonderful example of God’s love. He was open, welcoming and down to earth. Conversations with him were honest and his advice was, very much, valued. He has done so much for my family and friends.. too many to list. He will be forever remembered and missed. May he rest in eternal peace.
12/01/2025 08:22 pm
Fr. Jordan Kelly writes,
Father Kirk was one in ten million! He was among the kindest and most generous people I have known. He was very, very good to me! My parents died shortly before I was ordained a priest. My sister and I were struggling to pull things together: enter Father Kirk! I will never forget his kindness. Father was a faithful friend: he showed that he loved you in all that he did for you. Rest with the angels, dear Father! You will be missed!!
12/02/2025 08:48 am
Suzanne Rubi writes,
I am so sorry to hear of Father Kirk’s death. He was an amazing human being who gave my family so much support and kindness when my brother died. He is spoken of fondly and often in my family, and will never be forgotten.
12/02/2025 03:36 pm
Joe Gott writes,
I have been friends with Jim for 65 years since we grew up living right down the street in New Castle. We remained friends through the years, always staying in touch. I was even fortunate enough to attend his ordination. We shared dinners in both Wilmington and Washington, DC at the Old Ebbitt Grill which he really enjoyed. Jim had a great sense of humor and an even greater laugh which we will all miss. My sincere condolences to his entire family and all who knew him.
12/02/2025 04:56 pm
Annie Wicks writes,
To Father Kirk's family - I am so sorry for your loss. He was a friend and mentor to my brother when he was in high school and later after he joined the USMC. Father Kirk was wonderful to my family when Chip died. So sorry for your loss.
12/03/2025 09:41 am
Susan Joiner and Romie Joiner lit a candle and writes,
We have known Fr. Kirk many years and know of his health issues, but he handled it with great understanding of God's plans for one of His young servant and now I'm sure Fr. Jim is hearing. WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. WELCOME HOME.
12/03/2025 02:27 pm
James Fierro, D.O. lit a candle and writes,
Father Kirk was not a man who complained even when he did not feel well. He fullfilled his duties as a priest honorablely and to the best of his ability. He was an example of a man that Jesus Christ wants us all to be: humble, caring, and friendly. He was always appreciative of whatever help we could provide and we enjoyed seeing him. He will truely be missed by myself and my staff. May he be in total comfort and peace with the Lord and hopefully one day we will be there with him. I feel confident he has passed through the pearly gates of heaven and he is with the Lord. Dr. James Fierro
12/04/2025 08:33 pm
Monica DeHart lit a candle and writes,
I am thinking of you this morning, the day of your funeral , and remembering all the good times of our childhood. I have so many good memories of playing together as children . Every time we got together for parties our parents would always tell us to go to the basement as soon as we entered the door! Those were the good old days in New Castle! As an adult I always felt special because Doug and I were your very first marriage . Thanks for that. Then you baptized Kaylei and also married her and Joey, and baptized their children. You helped me with my nephew’s funeral during a difficult time in my life. You were always there for me. You will always be remembered in my heart. Rest in peace cousin.
12/05/2025 06:29 am
Susan Cronholm writes,
I am so sorry to not be there on this day of your funeral. However, I am certainly with you in my thoughts and prayers. You were one of the altar servers at my wedding. Jack and I enjoyed your quick wit and caring ways. You were there for us in a special way when our son died ten years ago and continued to be in our lives. You were not only a cousin but a dear friend. I will keep you in my heart always. Susan
12/05/2025 12:57 pm
Jacqueline Kotowski-Lee lit a candle and writes,
My condolences to the Kirk family! May Father Kirk Rest In Peace.
12/05/2025 10:30 pm
Joe Blaszkow writes,
So sorry to hear of Father Kirk's passing. We were classmates at Sallies, and his death was brought to my attention by a fellow classmate. We had not kept up over the years, but I see he had an amazing vocation. Interesting that he ended at St. Mary Magdalen's, the parish that my family joined when we moved to Delaware. Condolences to the family, and may Father Kirk be prepared to welcome more of us to heaven when the time comes to other members of the Class of '74.
12/10/2025 11:38 pm