Former Ocala Mayor Jim Kirk dies at age 88
By Fred Hiers, Staff writer, Ocala Satr-Banner
Jim Kirk was larger than life.
Because of the lives the former Ocala mayor touched, the city's path he helped steer and the influence he wielded for the betterment of all its residents, Kirk made the cliché true.
He was a successful businessman, having owned radio stations WMOP AM and WFUZ FM, and hosted a morning radio country western music show that listeners still reminisce about today.
"Country" Jim Kirk, as he was affectionately called, died Wednesday. He was 88.
For 60 years after arriving here with his wife Biddie from the Tallahassee area, the staunch Florida State University alumni, the man with a sense of humor as big as his personality, as humble as he was thoughtful, made an everlasting impact in the Ocala community.
His accomplishments and contributions to the city are long, but he is best known for buying what is now the Marion Theatre and giving the building to the city, and was among a small group of people who convinced Arthur Appleton to build in Ocala the museum that bears his name and houses his vast art collection.
Kirk and his wife were major fundraisers and boosters for FSU. He served three terms as Ocala mayor during the 1960s and '70s, helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal and was one of the city's most high-profile civic leaders.
Local radio personality Buddy Martin, who, with a partner, went on to buy WMOP AM and still hosts a local daily show, said the culmination of Kirk's life leads him to say," I can make a case for Jim Kirk being one of the five, six greatest Ocalans."
On Wednesday, Kirk was attending the First Presbyterian Church's annual Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and became ill. Parishioners called an ambulance, but despite an hour-long effort to revive him at the church and as he was taken to the hospital, he died.
A cause of death is not yet known.
In addition to his wife, Kirk is survived by sons Russell, John and Richard, and daughter Deborah. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee.
"He was an excellent provider for his family. He was always good with the kids and helped us with whatever endeavor we wanted to follow," said his son, Jim Kirk.
It was no exaggeration when people say his father was a great positive force in people's lives, the younger Kirk said.
"Every time people saw me, they didn't ask about me but always asked, 'How's your dad doing?'" he said.
Richard Kirk said his parents wanted to have a positive influence on the city and not just have a successful business.
"When my parents moved here in the early 1950s my dad was very much about giving back to the community," he said.
Richard Kirk said that regardless of whomever he encountered, "people would always say what a great person my father is."
The elder Jim Kirk became the first student at Florida State University to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He worked at the WCNH-AM radio station in Quincy, near Tallahassee. The owner of the station asked Kirk in 1953 to manage a new 1,000 watt station he had just bought in Ocala, called WMOP-AM.
For the first year, the station broadcast a combination of black gospel, country and ethnic music. The format eventually settled on country and rockabilly. Ten years later, Kirk bought the station and later started his FM station as well. His morning show as "Country" Jim Kirk included folksy wisdom and a homespun format that made him a local celebrity.
As owner of the stations, he brought in well-known singers to perform in Ocala, perhaps one of the most famous being Elvis Presley, in 1955.
Kirk sold the AM station in the 1990s and worked for the FSU Foundation and the Seminole Boosters. The Marion County Seminole Club sponsors an annual Jim Kirk Scholarship.
"I think he was a wonderful man; very down to earth, very humble, a great mayor," said current Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.
Guinn said when Kirk was mayor of Ocala during the tumultuous civil rights era he met weekly with local political and religious leaders. At the end of each meeting the leaders would hold hands and say "God be with us," Guinn said.
Eventually, the phrase was incorporated by Kirk and other city officials into the city seal, where it remains decades later.
Kirk was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, said the church's pastor, the Rev. Raymond Gutterman.
"He was just an ideal church member and friend. He came every Sunday," Gutterman said. "He befriended everyone. He was very warm, funny and generous man."
"He was a very humble man. He was a quiet disciple (of Christ)," Gutterman added.
Martin said Kirk wrote and recorded a radio jingle for him that he still uses to introduce a segment of his own daily show.
"He was fun to be around. He cared for his community," Martin said. "We will never replace Jim Kirk."
Reach Fred Hiers at [email protected] and 352-867-4157.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Kirk, 88, died November 18, 2015 in Ocala FL. He was born July 4, 1927 in Morristown TN where he grew up and graduated from Morristown High School in 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents Zula Grace Dickerson Kirk and James Earl Kirk Sr; and his beloved sisters Carolyn Pack, Middie Crosby and Billie Cockrum. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary (Biddie) Fisher Kirk; children Debbie Kirk of Raleigh, NC; Russell Kirk (Monika),
John Kirk (Rhonda), and Richard Kirk (Dawn), all of Ocala; grandchildren Tyler Williams (Bridgit), Matt Kirk (Emily), Andrew Kirk (Michelle), Sarah Kirk and Jimmy Kirk; step grandchildren Amberr Johns (Adam), Benjamin Draime, Brandon Raczkowski and Brent Raczkowski; extended family including special nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including colleagues Helen Helvenston and Carol Carpenter.
He enlisted in the US Army and served in Occupied Japan with the First Cavalry Division from 1946-48 before returning to attend college on the GI Bill. Born on the 4th of July, he was proud of his military service and very patriotic throughout his life. His 4th of July celebrations were legendary.
Jim received a BA in Communications from Florida State University in 1952 and was the first student to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He and Biddie moved to Ocala in 1953 so he could manage a new radio station, WMOP. He became known as "Country Jim" as he created and hosted a live morning show from behind a large window in his studio downtown. People would drive by just to get a mention from him on the air as his listeners became a part of his show. He started the Seminole Broadcasting Network and was for many years the "voice of Seminole football." He purchased WMOP and later WFUZ but his passion was always broadcasting using his distinct voice and his ability to talk to anyone and about anything. He was constantly in demand to make commercials which he did from every venue imaginable. His most unusual promotion was the first underwater broadcast using a submerged studio from Silver Springs.
He was a staunch believer in the value of education and his generosity benefits countless students. He chaired the Board of Trustees at the College of Central Florida and with his wife established the Jim and Biddie Kirk Scholarship at CCF. His contributions to Florida State University are many including the establishment of the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications. He was a member of presidential search committees at CCF and FSU. He served as President of the National Seminole Boosters and in "retirement" worked for the FSU Foundation and Seminole Boosters, leaving a lasting legacy in the Seminole Nation.
Jim believed he was blessed and felt called to give back through his many civic and philanthropic commitments. He was a man of action and principle, a savvy businessman who never forgot where he came from and took nothing for granted. He had a heart for people in need, and along with his public efforts he quietly assisted countless people. His life reflected his values of hard work, honesty, generosity and perseverance and he supported causes and institutions he believed in. Public service was a responsibility he took seriously and his contributions to Ocala are many. He served as City Councilman, three terms as Mayor and he helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal. With Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez he worked diligently during integration and he was respected as a thoughtful and wise leader who sought peaceful resolutions to difficult issues.
He was a member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and served as President. One of his favorite club activities was the annual pancake fundraiser for Camp Kiwanis. He loved selling tickets and flipping pancakes so that all children could enjoy a camp experience. He also served as President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Ocala Jaycees and the United Way.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala for over 50 years where he served in numerous roles, including Deacon, Elder and long time teacher of the Men's Bible Study Sunday School Class for which he spent hours each week studying and preparing. He enjoyed the Men of Faith group, and was a faithful worshiper at the 8:15am service. His last evening was spent at church where he enjoyed visiting with everyone. His faith was the bedrock of his life from which he never wavered.
He led the city during times of growth and prosperity and was instrumental in bringing new business and opportunities to the city. He and Dick Chazal, Jim Jernigan and Doug Oswald worked with philanthropist Arthur Appleton to build the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, now one of the city's treasures. He also understood the value of preserving historic properties and he and Biddie purchased the Marion Theater, donating it to the city so that generations to come would enjoy it.
Jim was a keen observer of life and was well known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a great story, whatever the subject matter. He published two books of poems, stories, and ramblings about anything and everything. He was a popular speaker at commencements and other public events. He had an eye for collecting things large and small including cars and coins. Two of his most prized collections he donated to FSU, Remington bronze sculptures now found throughout the campus and music memorabilia and instruments which are in the Kirk Collection in the FSU Broadcast Center.
He was a member of the Eight Pointers, a group of friends whose annual hunting trip to Texas became legendary. Jim was not actually a hunter, he participated for the relationships forged and the tall tales that emerged from each trip. In his later years he took up riding snow mobiles in West Yellowstone with his friends and his sons. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be passionate about their endeavors while following their dreams.
He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but was always humble about his accomplishments. He was a man of deep faith, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant. His voice may be silenced but his spirit lives on.
Visitation will be held at Hiers Baxley Funeral Home in Ocala from 4-6 pm Sunday November 22, 2015. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala at 2 pm Monday November 23, 2015 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 682, Ocala, FL 34478 or the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications via the FSU Foundation (fund FO1727) 2010 Levy Avenue Building B, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
By Fred Hiers, Staff writer, Ocala Satr-Banner
Jim Kirk was larger than life.
Because of the lives the former Ocala mayor touched, the city's path he helped steer and the influence he wielded for the betterment of all its residents, Kirk made the cliché true.
He was a successful businessman, having owned radio stations WMOP AM and WFUZ FM, and hosted a morning radio country western music show that listeners still reminisce about today.
"Country" Jim Kirk, as he was affectionately called, died Wednesday. He was 88.
For 60 years after arriving here with his wife Biddie from the Tallahassee area, the staunch Florida State University alumni, the man with a sense of humor as big as his personality, as humble as he was thoughtful, made an everlasting impact in the Ocala community.
His accomplishments and contributions to the city are long, but he is best known for buying what is now the Marion Theatre and giving the building to the city, and was among a small group of people who convinced Arthur Appleton to build in Ocala the museum that bears his name and houses his vast art collection.
Kirk and his wife were major fundraisers and boosters for FSU. He served three terms as Ocala mayor during the 1960s and '70s, helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal and was one of the city's most high-profile civic leaders.
Local radio personality Buddy Martin, who, with a partner, went on to buy WMOP AM and still hosts a local daily show, said the culmination of Kirk's life leads him to say," I can make a case for Jim Kirk being one of the five, six greatest Ocalans."
On Wednesday, Kirk was attending the First Presbyterian Church's annual Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and became ill. Parishioners called an ambulance, but despite an hour-long effort to revive him at the church and as he was taken to the hospital, he died.
A cause of death is not yet known.
In addition to his wife, Kirk is survived by sons Russell, John and Richard, and daughter Deborah. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee.
"He was an excellent provider for his family. He was always good with the kids and helped us with whatever endeavor we wanted to follow," said his son, Jim Kirk.
It was no exaggeration when people say his father was a great positive force in people's lives, the younger Kirk said.
"Every time people saw me, they didn't ask about me but always asked, 'How's your dad doing?'" he said.
Richard Kirk said his parents wanted to have a positive influence on the city and not just have a successful business.
"When my parents moved here in the early 1950s my dad was very much about giving back to the community," he said.
Richard Kirk said that regardless of whomever he encountered, "people would always say what a great person my father is."
The elder Jim Kirk became the first student at Florida State University to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He worked at the WCNH-AM radio station in Quincy, near Tallahassee. The owner of the station asked Kirk in 1953 to manage a new 1,000 watt station he had just bought in Ocala, called WMOP-AM.
For the first year, the station broadcast a combination of black gospel, country and ethnic music. The format eventually settled on country and rockabilly. Ten years later, Kirk bought the station and later started his FM station as well. His morning show as "Country" Jim Kirk included folksy wisdom and a homespun format that made him a local celebrity.
As owner of the stations, he brought in well-known singers to perform in Ocala, perhaps one of the most famous being Elvis Presley, in 1955.
Kirk sold the AM station in the 1990s and worked for the FSU Foundation and the Seminole Boosters. The Marion County Seminole Club sponsors an annual Jim Kirk Scholarship.
"I think he was a wonderful man; very down to earth, very humble, a great mayor," said current Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.
Guinn said when Kirk was mayor of Ocala during the tumultuous civil rights era he met weekly with local political and religious leaders. At the end of each meeting the leaders would hold hands and say "God be with us," Guinn said.
Eventually, the phrase was incorporated by Kirk and other city officials into the city seal, where it remains decades later.
Kirk was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, said the church's pastor, the Rev. Raymond Gutterman.
"He was just an ideal church member and friend. He came every Sunday," Gutterman said. "He befriended everyone. He was very warm, funny and generous man."
"He was a very humble man. He was a quiet disciple (of Christ)," Gutterman added.
Martin said Kirk wrote and recorded a radio jingle for him that he still uses to introduce a segment of his own daily show.
"He was fun to be around. He cared for his community," Martin said. "We will never replace Jim Kirk."
Reach Fred Hiers at [email protected] and 352-867-4157.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Kirk, 88, died November 18, 2015 in Ocala FL. He was born July 4, 1927 in Morristown TN where he grew up and graduated from Morristown High School in 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents Zula Grace Dickerson Kirk and James Earl Kirk Sr; and his beloved sisters Carolyn Pack, Middie Crosby and Billie Cockrum. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary (Biddie) Fisher Kirk; children Debbie Kirk of Raleigh, NC; Russell Kirk (Monika),
John Kirk (Rhonda), and Richard Kirk (Dawn), all of Ocala; grandchildren Tyler Williams (Bridgit), Matt Kirk (Emily), Andrew Kirk (Michelle), Sarah Kirk and Jimmy Kirk; step grandchildren Amberr Johns (Adam), Benjamin Draime, Brandon Raczkowski and Brent Raczkowski; extended family including special nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including colleagues Helen Helvenston and Carol Carpenter.
He enlisted in the US Army and served in Occupied Japan with the First Cavalry Division from 1946-48 before returning to attend college on the GI Bill. Born on the 4th of July, he was proud of his military service and very patriotic throughout his life. His 4th of July celebrations were legendary.
Jim received a BA in Communications from Florida State University in 1952 and was the first student to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He and Biddie moved to Ocala in 1953 so he could manage a new radio station, WMOP. He became known as "Country Jim" as he created and hosted a live morning show from behind a large window in his studio downtown. People would drive by just to get a mention from him on the air as his listeners became a part of his show. He started the Seminole Broadcasting Network and was for many years the "voice of Seminole football." He purchased WMOP and later WFUZ but his passion was always broadcasting using his distinct voice and his ability to talk to anyone and about anything. He was constantly in demand to make commercials which he did from every venue imaginable. His most unusual promotion was the first underwater broadcast using a submerged studio from Silver Springs.
He was a staunch believer in the value of education and his generosity benefits countless students. He chaired the Board of Trustees at the College of Central Florida and with his wife established the Jim and Biddie Kirk Scholarship at CCF. His contributions to Florida State University are many including the establishment of the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications. He was a member of presidential search committees at CCF and FSU. He served as President of the National Seminole Boosters and in "retirement" worked for the FSU Foundation and Seminole Boosters, leaving a lasting legacy in the Seminole Nation.
Jim believed he was blessed and felt called to give back through his many civic and philanthropic commitments. He was a man of action and principle, a savvy businessman who never forgot where he came from and took nothing for granted. He had a heart for people in need, and along with his public efforts he quietly assisted countless people. His life reflected his values of hard work, honesty, generosity and perseverance and he supported causes and institutions he believed in. Public service was a responsibility he took seriously and his contributions to Ocala are many. He served as City Councilman, three terms as Mayor and he helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal. With Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez he worked diligently during integration and he was respected as a thoughtful and wise leader who sought peaceful resolutions to difficult issues.
He was a member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and served as President. One of his favorite club activities was the annual pancake fundraiser for Camp Kiwanis. He loved selling tickets and flipping pancakes so that all children could enjoy a camp experience. He also served as President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Ocala Jaycees and the United Way.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala for over 50 years where he served in numerous roles, including Deacon, Elder and long time teacher of the Men's Bible Study Sunday School Class for which he spent hours each week studying and preparing. He enjoyed the Men of Faith group, and was a faithful worshiper at the 8:15am service. His last evening was spent at church where he enjoyed visiting with everyone. His faith was the bedrock of his life from which he never wavered.
He led the city during times of growth and prosperity and was instrumental in bringing new business and opportunities to the city. He and Dick Chazal, Jim Jernigan and Doug Oswald worked with philanthropist Arthur Appleton to build the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, now one of the city's treasures. He also understood the value of preserving historic properties and he and Biddie purchased the Marion Theater, donating it to the city so that generations to come would enjoy it.
Jim was a keen observer of life and was well known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a great story, whatever the subject matter. He published two books of poems, stories, and ramblings about anything and everything. He was a popular speaker at commencements and other public events. He had an eye for collecting things large and small including cars and coins. Two of his most prized collections he donated to FSU, Remington bronze sculptures now found throughout the campus and music memorabilia and instruments which are in the Kirk Collection in the FSU Broadcast Center.
He was a member of the Eight Pointers, a group of friends whose annual hunting trip to Texas became legendary. Jim was not actually a hunter, he participated for the relationships forged and the tall tales that emerged from each trip. In his later years he took up riding snow mobiles in West Yellowstone with his friends and his sons. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be passionate about their endeavors while following their dreams.
He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but was always humble about his accomplishments. He was a man of deep faith, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant. His voice may be silenced but his spirit lives on.
Visitation will be held at Hiers Baxley Funeral Home in Ocala from 4-6 pm Sunday November 22, 2015. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala at 2 pm Monday November 23, 2015 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 682, Ocala, FL 34478 or the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications via the FSU Foundation (fund FO1727) 2010 Levy Avenue Building B, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
Former Ocala Mayor Jim Kirk dies at age 88
By Fred Hiers, Staff writer, Ocala Satr-Banner
Jim Kirk was larger than life.
Because of the lives the former Ocala mayor touched, the city's path he helped steer and the influence he wielded for the betterment of all its residents, Kirk made the cliché true.
He was a successful businessman, having owned radio stations WMOP AM and WFUZ FM, and hosted a morning radio country western music show that listeners still reminisce about today.
"Country" Jim Kirk, as he was affectionately called, died Wednesday. He was 88.
For 60 years after arriving here with his wife Biddie from the Tallahassee area, the staunch Florida State University alumni, the man with a sense of humor as big as his personality, as humble as he was thoughtful, made an everlasting impact in the Ocala community.
His accomplishments and contributions to the city are long, but he is best known for buying what is now the Marion Theatre and giving the building to the city, and was among a small group of people who convinced Arthur Appleton to build in Ocala the museum that bears his name and houses his vast art collection.
Kirk and his wife were major fundraisers and boosters for FSU. He served three terms as Ocala mayor during the 1960s and '70s, helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal and was one of the city's most high-profile civic leaders.
Local radio personality Buddy Martin, who, with a partner, went on to buy WMOP AM and still hosts a local daily show, said the culmination of Kirk's life leads him to say," I can make a case for Jim Kirk being one of the five, six greatest Ocalans."
On Wednesday, Kirk was attending the First Presbyterian Church's annual Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and became ill. Parishioners called an ambulance, but despite an hour-long effort to revive him at the church and as he was taken to the hospital, he died.
A cause of death is not yet known.
In addition to his wife, Kirk is survived by sons Russell, John and Richard, and daughter Deborah. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee.
"He was an excellent provider for his family. He was always good with the kids and helped us with whatever endeavor we wanted to follow," said his son, Jim Kirk.
It was no exaggeration when people say his father was a great positive force in people's lives, the younger Kirk said.
"Every time people saw me, they didn't ask about me but always asked, 'How's your dad doing?'" he said.
Richard Kirk said his parents wanted to have a positive influence on the city and not just have a successful business.
"When my parents moved here in the early 1950s my dad was very much about giving back to the community," he said.
Richard Kirk said that regardless of whomever he encountered, "people would always say what a great person my father is."
The elder Jim Kirk became the first student at Florida State University to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He worked at the WCNH-AM radio station in Quincy, near Tallahassee. The owner of the station asked Kirk in 1953 to manage a new 1,000 watt station he had just bought in Ocala, called WMOP-AM.
For the first year, the station broadcast a combination of black gospel, country and ethnic music. The format eventually settled on country and rockabilly. Ten years later, Kirk bought the station and later started his FM station as well. His morning show as "Country" Jim Kirk included folksy wisdom and a homespun format that made him a local celebrity.
As owner of the stations, he brought in well-known singers to perform in Ocala, perhaps one of the most famous being Elvis Presley, in 1955.
Kirk sold the AM station in the 1990s and worked for the FSU Foundation and the Seminole Boosters. The Marion County Seminole Club sponsors an annual Jim Kirk Scholarship.
"I think he was a wonderful man; very down to earth, very humble, a great mayor," said current Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.
Guinn said when Kirk was mayor of Ocala during the tumultuous civil rights era he met weekly with local political and religious leaders. At the end of each meeting the leaders would hold hands and say "God be with us," Guinn said.
Eventually, the phrase was incorporated by Kirk and other city officials into the city seal, where it remains decades later.
Kirk was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, said the church's pastor, the Rev. Raymond Gutterman.
"He was just an ideal church member and friend. He came every Sunday," Gutterman said. "He befriended everyone. He was very warm, funny and generous man."
"He was a very humble man. He was a quiet disciple (of Christ)," Gutterman added.
Martin said Kirk wrote and recorded a radio jingle for him that he still uses to introduce a segment of his own daily show.
"He was fun to be around. He cared for his community," Martin said. "We will never replace Jim Kirk."
Reach Fred Hiers at [email protected] and 352-867-4157.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Kirk, 88, died November 18, 2015 in Ocala FL. He was born July 4, 1927 in Morristown TN where he grew up and graduated from Morristown High School in 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents Zula Grace Dickerson Kirk and James Earl Kirk Sr; and his beloved sisters Carolyn Pack, Middie Crosby and Billie Cockrum. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary (Biddie) Fisher Kirk; children Debbie Kirk of Raleigh, NC; Russell Kirk (Monika),
John Kirk (Rhonda), and Richard Kirk (Dawn), all of Ocala; grandchildren Tyler Williams (Bridgit), Matt Kirk (Emily), Andrew Kirk (Michelle), Sarah Kirk and Jimmy Kirk; step grandchildren Amberr Johns (Adam), Benjamin Draime, Brandon Raczkowski and Brent Raczkowski; extended family including special nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including colleagues Helen Helvenston and Carol Carpenter.
He enlisted in the US Army and served in Occupied Japan with the First Cavalry Division from 1946-48 before returning to attend college on the GI Bill. Born on the 4th of July, he was proud of his military service and very patriotic throughout his life. His 4th of July celebrations were legendary.
Jim received a BA in Communications from Florida State University in 1952 and was the first student to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He and Biddie moved to Ocala in 1953 so he could manage a new radio station, WMOP. He became known as "Country Jim" as he created and hosted a live morning show from behind a large window in his studio downtown. People would drive by just to get a mention from him on the air as his listeners became a part of his show. He started the Seminole Broadcasting Network and was for many years the "voice of Seminole football." He purchased WMOP and later WFUZ but his passion was always broadcasting using his distinct voice and his ability to talk to anyone and about anything. He was constantly in demand to make commercials which he did from every venue imaginable. His most unusual promotion was the first underwater broadcast using a submerged studio from Silver Springs.
He was a staunch believer in the value of education and his generosity benefits countless students. He chaired the Board of Trustees at the College of Central Florida and with his wife established the Jim and Biddie Kirk Scholarship at CCF. His contributions to Florida State University are many including the establishment of the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications. He was a member of presidential search committees at CCF and FSU. He served as President of the National Seminole Boosters and in "retirement" worked for the FSU Foundation and Seminole Boosters, leaving a lasting legacy in the Seminole Nation.
Jim believed he was blessed and felt called to give back through his many civic and philanthropic commitments. He was a man of action and principle, a savvy businessman who never forgot where he came from and took nothing for granted. He had a heart for people in need, and along with his public efforts he quietly assisted countless people. His life reflected his values of hard work, honesty, generosity and perseverance and he supported causes and institutions he believed in. Public service was a responsibility he took seriously and his contributions to Ocala are many. He served as City Councilman, three terms as Mayor and he helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal. With Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez he worked diligently during integration and he was respected as a thoughtful and wise leader who sought peaceful resolutions to difficult issues.
He was a member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and served as President. One of his favorite club activities was the annual pancake fundraiser for Camp Kiwanis. He loved selling tickets and flipping pancakes so that all children could enjoy a camp experience. He also served as President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Ocala Jaycees and the United Way.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala for over 50 years where he served in numerous roles, including Deacon, Elder and long time teacher of the Men's Bible Study Sunday School Class for which he spent hours each week studying and preparing. He enjoyed the Men of Faith group, and was a faithful worshiper at the 8:15am service. His last evening was spent at church where he enjoyed visiting with everyone. His faith was the bedrock of his life from which he never wavered.
He led the city during times of growth and prosperity and was instrumental in bringing new business and opportunities to the city. He and Dick Chazal, Jim Jernigan and Doug Oswald worked with philanthropist Arthur Appleton to build the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, now one of the city's treasures. He also understood the value of preserving historic properties and he and Biddie purchased the Marion Theater, donating it to the city so that generations to come would enjoy it.
Jim was a keen observer of life and was well known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a great story, whatever the subject matter. He published two books of poems, stories, and ramblings about anything and everything. He was a popular speaker at commencements and other public events. He had an eye for collecting things large and small including cars and coins. Two of his most prized collections he donated to FSU, Remington bronze sculptures now found throughout the campus and music memorabilia and instruments which are in the Kirk Collection in the FSU Broadcast Center.
He was a member of the Eight Pointers, a group of friends whose annual hunting trip to Texas became legendary. Jim was not actually a hunter, he participated for the relationships forged and the tall tales that emerged from each trip. In his later years he took up riding snow mobiles in West Yellowstone with his friends and his sons. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be passionate about their endeavors while following their dreams.
He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but was always humble about his accomplishments. He was a man of deep faith, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant. His voice may be silenced but his spirit lives on.
Visitation will be held at Hiers Baxley Funeral Home in Ocala from 4-6 pm Sunday November 22, 2015. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala at 2 pm Monday November 23, 2015 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 682, Ocala, FL 34478 or the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications via the FSU Foundation (fund FO1727) 2010 Levy Avenue Building B, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
By Fred Hiers, Staff writer, Ocala Satr-Banner
Jim Kirk was larger than life.
Because of the lives the former Ocala mayor touched, the city's path he helped steer and the influence he wielded for the betterment of all its residents, Kirk made the cliché true.
He was a successful businessman, having owned radio stations WMOP AM and WFUZ FM, and hosted a morning radio country western music show that listeners still reminisce about today.
"Country" Jim Kirk, as he was affectionately called, died Wednesday. He was 88.
For 60 years after arriving here with his wife Biddie from the Tallahassee area, the staunch Florida State University alumni, the man with a sense of humor as big as his personality, as humble as he was thoughtful, made an everlasting impact in the Ocala community.
His accomplishments and contributions to the city are long, but he is best known for buying what is now the Marion Theatre and giving the building to the city, and was among a small group of people who convinced Arthur Appleton to build in Ocala the museum that bears his name and houses his vast art collection.
Kirk and his wife were major fundraisers and boosters for FSU. He served three terms as Ocala mayor during the 1960s and '70s, helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal and was one of the city's most high-profile civic leaders.
Local radio personality Buddy Martin, who, with a partner, went on to buy WMOP AM and still hosts a local daily show, said the culmination of Kirk's life leads him to say," I can make a case for Jim Kirk being one of the five, six greatest Ocalans."
On Wednesday, Kirk was attending the First Presbyterian Church's annual Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and became ill. Parishioners called an ambulance, but despite an hour-long effort to revive him at the church and as he was taken to the hospital, he died.
A cause of death is not yet known.
In addition to his wife, Kirk is survived by sons Russell, John and Richard, and daughter Deborah. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee.
"He was an excellent provider for his family. He was always good with the kids and helped us with whatever endeavor we wanted to follow," said his son, Jim Kirk.
It was no exaggeration when people say his father was a great positive force in people's lives, the younger Kirk said.
"Every time people saw me, they didn't ask about me but always asked, 'How's your dad doing?'" he said.
Richard Kirk said his parents wanted to have a positive influence on the city and not just have a successful business.
"When my parents moved here in the early 1950s my dad was very much about giving back to the community," he said.
Richard Kirk said that regardless of whomever he encountered, "people would always say what a great person my father is."
The elder Jim Kirk became the first student at Florida State University to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He worked at the WCNH-AM radio station in Quincy, near Tallahassee. The owner of the station asked Kirk in 1953 to manage a new 1,000 watt station he had just bought in Ocala, called WMOP-AM.
For the first year, the station broadcast a combination of black gospel, country and ethnic music. The format eventually settled on country and rockabilly. Ten years later, Kirk bought the station and later started his FM station as well. His morning show as "Country" Jim Kirk included folksy wisdom and a homespun format that made him a local celebrity.
As owner of the stations, he brought in well-known singers to perform in Ocala, perhaps one of the most famous being Elvis Presley, in 1955.
Kirk sold the AM station in the 1990s and worked for the FSU Foundation and the Seminole Boosters. The Marion County Seminole Club sponsors an annual Jim Kirk Scholarship.
"I think he was a wonderful man; very down to earth, very humble, a great mayor," said current Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.
Guinn said when Kirk was mayor of Ocala during the tumultuous civil rights era he met weekly with local political and religious leaders. At the end of each meeting the leaders would hold hands and say "God be with us," Guinn said.
Eventually, the phrase was incorporated by Kirk and other city officials into the city seal, where it remains decades later.
Kirk was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, said the church's pastor, the Rev. Raymond Gutterman.
"He was just an ideal church member and friend. He came every Sunday," Gutterman said. "He befriended everyone. He was very warm, funny and generous man."
"He was a very humble man. He was a quiet disciple (of Christ)," Gutterman added.
Martin said Kirk wrote and recorded a radio jingle for him that he still uses to introduce a segment of his own daily show.
"He was fun to be around. He cared for his community," Martin said. "We will never replace Jim Kirk."
Reach Fred Hiers at [email protected] and 352-867-4157.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Kirk, 88, died November 18, 2015 in Ocala FL. He was born July 4, 1927 in Morristown TN where he grew up and graduated from Morristown High School in 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents Zula Grace Dickerson Kirk and James Earl Kirk Sr; and his beloved sisters Carolyn Pack, Middie Crosby and Billie Cockrum. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary (Biddie) Fisher Kirk; children Debbie Kirk of Raleigh, NC; Russell Kirk (Monika),
John Kirk (Rhonda), and Richard Kirk (Dawn), all of Ocala; grandchildren Tyler Williams (Bridgit), Matt Kirk (Emily), Andrew Kirk (Michelle), Sarah Kirk and Jimmy Kirk; step grandchildren Amberr Johns (Adam), Benjamin Draime, Brandon Raczkowski and Brent Raczkowski; extended family including special nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including colleagues Helen Helvenston and Carol Carpenter.
He enlisted in the US Army and served in Occupied Japan with the First Cavalry Division from 1946-48 before returning to attend college on the GI Bill. Born on the 4th of July, he was proud of his military service and very patriotic throughout his life. His 4th of July celebrations were legendary.
Jim received a BA in Communications from Florida State University in 1952 and was the first student to earn a degree in speech with a broadcasting emphasis. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He and Biddie moved to Ocala in 1953 so he could manage a new radio station, WMOP. He became known as "Country Jim" as he created and hosted a live morning show from behind a large window in his studio downtown. People would drive by just to get a mention from him on the air as his listeners became a part of his show. He started the Seminole Broadcasting Network and was for many years the "voice of Seminole football." He purchased WMOP and later WFUZ but his passion was always broadcasting using his distinct voice and his ability to talk to anyone and about anything. He was constantly in demand to make commercials which he did from every venue imaginable. His most unusual promotion was the first underwater broadcast using a submerged studio from Silver Springs.
He was a staunch believer in the value of education and his generosity benefits countless students. He chaired the Board of Trustees at the College of Central Florida and with his wife established the Jim and Biddie Kirk Scholarship at CCF. His contributions to Florida State University are many including the establishment of the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications. He was a member of presidential search committees at CCF and FSU. He served as President of the National Seminole Boosters and in "retirement" worked for the FSU Foundation and Seminole Boosters, leaving a lasting legacy in the Seminole Nation.
Jim believed he was blessed and felt called to give back through his many civic and philanthropic commitments. He was a man of action and principle, a savvy businessman who never forgot where he came from and took nothing for granted. He had a heart for people in need, and along with his public efforts he quietly assisted countless people. His life reflected his values of hard work, honesty, generosity and perseverance and he supported causes and institutions he believed in. Public service was a responsibility he took seriously and his contributions to Ocala are many. He served as City Councilman, three terms as Mayor and he helped create the "God Be With Us" slogan on the city's seal. With Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez he worked diligently during integration and he was respected as a thoughtful and wise leader who sought peaceful resolutions to difficult issues.
He was a member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and served as President. One of his favorite club activities was the annual pancake fundraiser for Camp Kiwanis. He loved selling tickets and flipping pancakes so that all children could enjoy a camp experience. He also served as President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Ocala Jaycees and the United Way.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala for over 50 years where he served in numerous roles, including Deacon, Elder and long time teacher of the Men's Bible Study Sunday School Class for which he spent hours each week studying and preparing. He enjoyed the Men of Faith group, and was a faithful worshiper at the 8:15am service. His last evening was spent at church where he enjoyed visiting with everyone. His faith was the bedrock of his life from which he never wavered.
He led the city during times of growth and prosperity and was instrumental in bringing new business and opportunities to the city. He and Dick Chazal, Jim Jernigan and Doug Oswald worked with philanthropist Arthur Appleton to build the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, now one of the city's treasures. He also understood the value of preserving historic properties and he and Biddie purchased the Marion Theater, donating it to the city so that generations to come would enjoy it.
Jim was a keen observer of life and was well known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a great story, whatever the subject matter. He published two books of poems, stories, and ramblings about anything and everything. He was a popular speaker at commencements and other public events. He had an eye for collecting things large and small including cars and coins. Two of his most prized collections he donated to FSU, Remington bronze sculptures now found throughout the campus and music memorabilia and instruments which are in the Kirk Collection in the FSU Broadcast Center.
He was a member of the Eight Pointers, a group of friends whose annual hunting trip to Texas became legendary. Jim was not actually a hunter, he participated for the relationships forged and the tall tales that emerged from each trip. In his later years he took up riding snow mobiles in West Yellowstone with his friends and his sons. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be passionate about their endeavors while following their dreams.
He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but was always humble about his accomplishments. He was a man of deep faith, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant. His voice may be silenced but his spirit lives on.
Visitation will be held at Hiers Baxley Funeral Home in Ocala from 4-6 pm Sunday November 22, 2015. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala at 2 pm Monday November 23, 2015 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 682, Ocala, FL 34478 or the Jim Kirk Professorship in Communications via the FSU Foundation (fund FO1727) 2010 Levy Avenue Building B, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
