James Washington Kirkes, of 1059 East 16th Street, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, passed away at 10:30 PM on Monday, 09 April 1917, after a battle with intestinal cancer. He was 87.

Mr. Kirkes was born on Thursday, 24 December 1829, to James Kirkes and Elizabeth Cupp Kirkes, in Gwinett County, Georgia. He was the third of eight children born to this union. He is thought to be the last Kirkes child to pass.

He was united in marriage to Temperance Albina McWhorter on Christmas Day, Sunday, 25 December 1853, in Walker County, Georgia. Mrs. Kirkes survives James. They were married 63 years. To their union were born ten children: daughter Emily Prudence Kirkes, son William Bonds Kirkes, daughter Sarah Elizabeth Kirkes, son Samuel Dewitt Kirkes, son Stonewall Jackson Kirkes, son Leonidas Cicero Kirkes, daughter Martha Attica Kirkes, daughter Minnie Eula Kirkes, daughter Mary Beulah Kirkes, and son Thomas Felton Kirkes.

James and Temperance received a land grant on the east side of Pigeon Mountain in Walker County, Georgia. The family immigrated from Gwinett County, Georgia, but expressed dissatisfaction with the land upon arrival. Mr. Kirkes traded the plot on Pigeon Mountain for another located at Cassandra, Walker County, Georgia. This land stayed in the Kirkes family until 1913 when it was sold to Dr. and Mrs. Peay. James and Temperance subsequently moved to Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California. After moving, they continued to subscribe to the Walker County Messenger, their hometown newspaper. Around 1915, the Messenger was publishing stories about pioneer life. Temperance submitted a short sketch of her life.

James was a veteran of the Civil War. He drove a supply wagon for Stonewall Jackson's army in the Shenandoah Valley. He was standing a few feet from Robert E. Lee when he surrendered to Grant at Appamattox.

Mr. Kirkes was preceded in death by his parents, brother John C. Kirkes, brother William Henry Kirkes, sister Elender Ellen Kirkes, brother Thomas Hall Kirkes, brother George L. Kirkes, sister Martha Kirkes, sister Sarah Kirkes, infant son William Bonds Kirkes, and daughter Sarah Elizabeth Kirkes.

He is survived by his wife, daughter Emily Prudence Kirkes, son Samuel Dewitt Kirkes, son Stonewall Jackson Kirkes, son Leonidis Cicero Kirkes, daughter Martha Attica Kirkes, daughter Mary Beulah Kirkes, and son Thomas Felton Kirkes.

Interment occurred at Inglewood Park Cemetery of Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California.