James Brodbelt Kirkpatrick, 87, of Chicago, Illinois died at Evanston Hospital
on June 18, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Kirk, as he was known to his friends and associates was born on March 22, 1937
to parents Walter (Jack) Kirkpatrick and Helen Kirkpatrick (nee Lewis).
Kirk graduated from Sullivan High School, then attended Wright Junior College
and the University of Illinois at Navy Pier. He was drafted into the U.S. Army
and served his term in Germany while the Berlin Wall was built as the Cold War
loomed.

Upon return, Kirk was employed by Western Union Telegraph Company as a
communications technician in Chicago's Loop. He led a group of technicians,
serving as both their mentor and teacher. He was the ultimate 'Geek' and an able
troubleshooter.

On August 28, 1965, Kirk married Sally Jo Meyer at Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois officiated by Father Daniel Brady.
After retiring from Western Union, Kirk served as the director of the Rogers
Park Chamber of Commerce for a short period of time and then established an in-
home desktop publishing business. He also worked as the IT director for Barasch
Insurance Service, Sally's employer. As a member of the Rogers Park/West Ridge
Historical Society, James used his talents to publish monthly newsletters and
did the layout and photo editing of three historic books published by the
Society. For their tireless work, both he and Sally hold honorary lifetime
memberships in the Society.

James had various interests and an active mind. He was a member of the National
Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. He enjoyed listening to classical,
contemporary, and folk music. He was an avid reader and enjoyed anything related
to science, computers, technology, and conservative politics. And he loved the
many cats that were a part of the Kirkpatrick household over the years including
Missy, Tiger, Little Girl, Taffy, and Ronnie.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Sally Kirkpatrick (nee Meyer) of Chicago,
Illinois; children: Heather Subovitz (Jason) of Des Plaines, Illinois, Scott
Kirkpatrick (Adela) of Streamwood, Illinois, and Brian Kirkpatrick of Chicago,
Illinois; daughter-in-law Julie McGinnis; grandchildren: Melissa Kirkpatrick-
Roman (Hector Roman), Richard Kirkpatrick, and Justin Subovitz; and soon-to-
arrive great-grandchild, Oscar Roman.

Kirk had one pre-deceased brother, John Addison Kirkpatrick and sisters-in-law,
Diane Elizabeth Kirkpatrick (Zapf) and Karen Lee Hoffman (Meyer).
Other survivors include loving nieces Laurie Lenke (Mark), Bonnie Zona-
Lachenberg, and Susan Ferry (Hoffman) (Mark).

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 12:00pm until the time of service at 2:00 PM at G. L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment will take place at a later date at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in James' name to the American Cancer Society (amp.cancer.org) or the Red Door Animal Shelter, 2410 West Lunt Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645 (reddoorshelter.org). For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.