The community is mourning the passing of John Paul Kirk, Sr., who died peacefully at the age of 94 on December 9, 2025. Surrounded by family, including his wife of 73 years, Alice Kirk, and their children and grandchildren, Kirk’s legacy of love, service, and commitment to family will be remembered fondly.
A Life Dedicated to Family and Community Service
Born on March 14, 1931, in Ashland, Alabama, John was the youngest of ten children in the family of Daniel P. and Clara I. Kirk. He maintained strong ties to his roots, returning to Ashland frequently to connect with family and lifelong friends. After graduating from Clay County High School in 1949, John joined the Army Air Corps, where he was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base to teach aircraft electronics. It was here that he met Alice, marrying her on December 27, 1952.
The couple had three children: John, Jr., Kathy, and Rebecca, and they later welcomed ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with another expected in January 2026. John’s passion for education led him to pursue further studies, earning an Associate degree at Southern Tech and later a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle University at the age of 76.
Adventurer and Business Leader
John’s adventurous spirit shone through in his love for flying. After taking lessons while in Texas, he obtained his small plane pilot’s license, which he held for fifty years. He fondly recalled taking Alice on her first flight, marking a special moment in their life together. Following his military service, John started his career in financial planning, founding a successful investments and financial planning company that thrived for over five decades.
In addition to his professional achievements, John was deeply committed to community service. He served as president of the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, a board member of The Arc South Bay, and chairman of the board at the Torrance YMCA. He also held leadership roles in the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce and was a lifetime member of the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to the First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach since 1961 included numerous board and committee chair positions, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the church’s endowment fund.
John Kirk is survived not only by Alice but also by their children: John Kirk (Mindy), Kathy McCandless (Richard), and Rebecca Kirk, along with their grandchildren: Christopher Kirk (Jennifer), Lauren Figgers (Kevin), Brian Kirk (Laura), and others, as well as seven great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on January 10, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 243 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. The community is invited to celebrate John’s remarkable life and the impact he made on those around him.
