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Funeral service for James Myron Kirton, 61, Daytona Beach, who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 10, 2005, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2005, at the Peabody Auditorium. A horse drawn procession will precede the service. Chaplain Jimmy Smith of Halifax Medical Center and Pastor Paul Pollock of Covenant United Methodist Church of Port Orange will be officiating. Family will receive friends Friday, October 14, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the chapel of Baggett & Summers Funeral Home. Jimmy was born June 20, 1944, to Myron and Juanita (Johns) Kirton in Daytona Beach. He graduated from Mainland High School in 1962 and received his master's degree in administration from Florida State University. Jim began his career as the Mainland HS athletic trainer and coach from 1969-1975, and head football coach from 1972-1974. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of thousands of students. From 1975-77 he served as the Dean of Students at Spruce Creek High School, and then served as Dean of Students at Mainland from 1980-1983. In 1983 he was promoted to Principal Intern at Spruce Creek High School, was then promoted to asst. principal of Deltona Jr. High, then Campbell Jr. High. From 1987-1989, he served as principal of Silver Sands Junior High and then principal of Deltona Junior High from 1989-1990. From 1990 until 2002, he was principal of Seabreeze High School. Jimmy served as president of the FL HS Activities Assn. during his career and received many awards including Principal of the Year for Volusia County, and most recently was presented with the "Jimmy Kirton Day" by the Volusia County Council. In 2003, Jimmy was appointed asst. superintendent of Flagler County schools, a position he enjoyed but was forced to resign due to his illness. Jimmy truly loved children and animals and they could sense this. He would have given any gift to any child in need. His greatest satisfaction came from both his career and the solace he found on his farm. He loved his country life, his time spent on his ranch were his happiest. Left to cherish his memories is a devoted wife of 18 years, Eva Kirton, Daytona Beach, two sons, Kent Kirton and his wife, Rachele, Daytona Beach, and Tyler Kirton and his wife, Lucy, Port Orange; two daughters, Shannon Peters and her husband, Mike, Port Orange, and Brandy Hogue and her husband, Danny, Deltona; his parents, Myron and Dorothy Kirton; three brothers, Tom Kirton and his wife, Pat, Port Orange, Kenny Kirton, Crawfordville, and Bill Carver and his wife, Joyce, Friendsville, Tenn.; three sisters, Kay Wingard and her husband, Jr., Port Orange, Chris Muller and her husband, Steve, Long Island, N.Y., and Dorothy Morris and her husband, Allen, Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; his four dogs, Specky, Josh, Bear and Chubby; and his two horses, Little Chief and Cherokee. Donations may be made in Jimmy's memory to Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064, designated for the youth camp in Barberville. Condolences may shared with his family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Baggett & Summers Funeral Home.
GUEST BOOK
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| October 13, 2005 | |
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To the Kirton Family, the members of the Class of 1974 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Eva and the rest of the Kirtons. WE will miss Jimmy K. and we will keep you and your family in our prayers. |
| Posie Christian Elliott (Daytona Beach, FL ) Elliottposie@aol.com |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Dearest JK, There are few people that touch so many lives with such a significant impact. I learned to love you as a principal and then as a friend. For years I told Tommy Sr."JK stories" and then it reversed and he came home with his "JK stories;" we are both so thankful to have been a part of your life. You have walked with us during our darkest days. Now those in heaven will enjoy your jokes and great sense of humor. Tommy Sr. said that you would walk into heaven and know everyone by name. Give Tommy Jr., Sharon and the boys a hug for us. God bless ...you have earned your white linen. I know you are so very proud of Eva who has been so strong and devoted to your love. Until we meet again! |
| Tom and Barbara Tant (Flagler Beach, FL) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Some of my earliest and fondest memories of growing up in Daytona were of the Kirton family and our trips out to Kirton Dairy. Some of these visits were captured by my mother on her trusty 8mm movie camera and now preserved forever on disk. Back then, it seemed we were living a dream - frequent treks to Ponce DeLeon Springs, or Sanlando or just north to John Ormond Tomb - wherever we went, Jimmy was one of the group. What great fun we had! I know I am just one of thousands who will miss Jimmy but those memories (and many more) will forever remain. I offer my sincere condolences to the Kirton family along with my prayer for their comfort in this sad time. You are not alone. God bless you all. |
| David Culley (Daytona Beach, FL ) daculley@bellsouth.net |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Coach...... Friend, Father, mentor I can go on and on and on, you were so many things to me. I will never forget you. Back in summer of 1971 is when I first meet you and you have been a big impack on my life ever since. I can here you calling me now TC, TC, TC get out there on the feild. Coach I will never for get you, when GOD made you he boke the mold, now go rest in peace, coach you have touch hundreds of lives and you will live in my HEART for ever Tony TC Carwise #88 Class of 1975 Mainland Sr. High |
| Tony TC Carwise (Daytona Beach, FL ) TCARWISE@CFL.RR.COM |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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To the Kirton Family, What a treasure Jimmy was to our school district and our lives. He was a pleasure to work with and his love for the children was evident every time he was with them. He has left a wonderful legacy and I will always admire the way he "cowboyed up." |
| Denise Haymes (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Dear Kirton Family, So many memories of the Kirton barn fights, Keyette initiations in the mud, highschool days. Jimmy will be greatly missed. Pray our Lord will be with you all during these difficult days. |
| Peggy Dunne Campbell (Daytona Beach, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Dear Kirton Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy was always so much fun to be around and I will miss chating with him when ever we ran across each other in our day to day travels. GOD BLESS YOU ALL |
| Jack Wilson (Port Orange, FL ) JWiso6142@yahoo.com |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Eva and Family, I will always remember Jim with a smile on his face and an encouraging word for everyone. He helped me immensely through a rather tough time and I shall never forget him. |
| Mary Gilbert (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Miss Eva & Kirton Family: We are so blessed to have worked with such a wonderful man. Anyone who met Mr. Jim knew he was a truly caring person. He would go out of his way to greet everyone while visiting us at the Flagler Co. School Bus Mechanics garage. He always said "keep up the good work" and thought we were great for taking care of the fish in the back pond and the birds in our compound. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all of us. May God Bless each one of you. Sincerely, Leila, Mechanics Office Secretary. |
| Leila Bowyer (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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My sympathy goes out to the Kirton family. James was a great man. I use to tease him about his southern accent, that's only because I'm a southern too. Born in Kingsport,TN. I only heard nothing but good things,about Mr.Kirton from former associates and students. he will be deeply missed. |
| Shelley Martin (Palm Coast, FL ) martins@flaglerschools.com |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Jim, Words cannot express the respect and admiration I had for you. The few years of working with you and having been your friend meant a great deal to me. Rest assure you have left me many wonderful memories and teachings that I will never forget! You taught me to laugh often, treat people kind and fair, and to not take things so seriously. For this, I am forever grateful. Please know that I will continue to try and live by your teachings and will always strive to "Cowboy Up" when the time and circumstance calls for it. You were a great human being Jim Kirton and I will carry a part of you with me forever. I only hope that I can be as great a Assistant Superintendent as you were for Flagler County Schools! My heartfelt condolescences to Eva and your entire family, Roy Pistone Flagler County Schools |
| Roy Pistone (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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To the Kirton Family, Heaven was waiting for the angel that left us......... |
| Susan Burns (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Eva and Family, Jimmy touched so many children's lives. I only have to believe that Buddy and Sal needed another Principal in heaven to watch over all the children from around the world that have been tragically lost in the last few weeks. God bless you all. |
| Riza Cohen (Bunnell, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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We will all miss Jim in Flagler. His impact on our district and our students will not be forgotten. |
| Katrina Townsend (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Mr. Kirton, will be missed, only knew him for a short time but his smile will remain forever. Love Delories "Dee" Hall Flagler Co Schools |
| DELORIES "Dee" Hall (BUNNELL, FL ) halld@flagler.k12.fl.us |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Dear Kirton Family, Our daughter, Tracey, had the privilege of having Mr. Kirton as her principal at Silver Sands. Mr. Kirton truly enriched all our lives. May God comfort you always. Sincerely, Lynn Maloney, Tracey Maloney Ciuffreda (Connecticut) |
| Lynn Maloney (Port Orange, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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Dear Eva and the entire Kirton family, Jim was one in a million and a great role model for all! His heart was so filled with love for his family that it spilled out to all who knew him. Always up-beat, Jim helped me when I needed a friend the most. I was blessed to have worked with him at the School Board Office, and even more blessed to be able to call him a friend. I will never forget him and his great sense of humor. God gave him an extra year to touch as many lives as he could, and for him to enjoy his life to the fullest. My condolences to you all. |
| Betty Farrell (Flagler County, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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To Eva and the entire Kirton family, I am truely sorry for you loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Jim when he came to work for Flagler County Schools. He was an extrodinary man. He believed in me in a time in my life when things were not so good. He helped me through a real tough time in my life. He will always have a special place in my heart. He was an wonderful boss and great friend. Love Nancy Lauremore |
| Nancy Lauremore (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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To all the Kirton Family, I know you will miss Jimmy greatly and will be sad, but he isn't sad anymore. God has him at his house for a special reason and when you get there yourselves,you will know why. He has done his jobs on earth, now when you see that star in the sky twinkling and shinning bright,just like his beautiful eyes use to, you will know he is well and having a great time there.He used to make us all laugh when He came to Jack and Jean's to visit Kay, as all his family did. I miss being there for you Kay, but you know in my heart I am. I Love You, Joanne |
| Joanne Adkins (Dothan, WV ) banmum@aol.com |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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To Eva and the Kirton Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Kirton. He was truly a remarkable man. My family and I are most grateful for having the pleasure of knowing him. He was such a wonderful boss with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. He was an awesome Principal and the students just loved him. It was amazing to witness how he knew the name and story of every child at Seabreeze. We are going to miss him. Sincerely, Cheryl, Kimber, Steven & Mikel Taft |
| Cheryl Taft (Daytona Beach, FL ) cheryltaft@yahoo.com |
| October 13, 2005 | |
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I enjoyed your kindness and energetic spirit when I was a student at Seabreeze. God bless your family. (class of '91) |
| Albert Stobbe (Orlando, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Eva & Kirton Family---my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Kirton family. Jimmy was more than a friend he was a brother. Daytona Beach has lost a very good person---Heaven has gained a great new citizen. |
| TK Wetherell (Tallahassee, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Our condolences for your loss. You are all in our prayers. I first met Coach Kirton when he started at Mainland. I had dropped out of school and had returned to get my diploma. Coach Kirton gave me a lot of encouragement to finish school which I did. I later became a police officer and briefly worked with Coach Kirton while he was a reserve officer with DBPD. Thanks to his influence I retired after a successful 26 year career in Law Enforcement. Goad Bless and Comfort you, Joe (Terri) Curatolo |
| Joe Curatolo (Port Orange, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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God speed, you are already there. Class mates class of 62. Condolences to the family. |
| carol oliver [sebern] (eaton rapids, MI ) carol22344@yahoo.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Mainland High School 1961. God Bless you and keep you in his loving arms and may he bless your family and give them comfort knowing we shall all meet again. |
| Stan Wyllie (Blue Ridge, GA ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Daddy K Thank you for always believing in not only myself but every student to ever cross your path. Your guidence is something that can not be replaced. You always pushed me to raise my achievement bar just a little bit higher, and you always helped and encourged me reach it. Your love, friendship and wisdom are things I will always cherish. I love you and will always miss you. Until we meet again, godspeed. |
| Corinne Kaney (Tallahassee, FL ) mkaney@hotmail.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Kirton Family, Jim was such a beautiful person. He always made you feel important. I will never forget the big smile and his friendship he shared with my family. My brothers(2)and my sister all had been touched by Jim in one way or another.(Mainland 72,74 Spruce Creek 76,78)Our annuals are signed everywhere by him. He was just a big kid at heart. What a joy to of known him and he will truly be missed. Eva you are in my prayers. |
| Linda Fuhrmann-Carr (Deland, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Dear Eva and family- Out thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and please know that we are here if you ever need anything; today, tomorrow, next year, 10 years from now! JK will always be remembered as a faithful friend, loving principal, and a trustworthy man. Love- Scott and Jessica Goss |
| Jessica Bullard-Goss (Palm Coast, FL ) jessica.goss@cerner.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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I knew Jimmy back in the earily 70's, my family lived next door from the Dairy Farm on Tamoka Farms Road. Jimmy was a very wonderful person, god bless the family. |
| Debbie Boone (Ormond Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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We had so many great times the memories are far too numerous to list. Football, Y-teens, building slab huts, cow patty fights with Tommy, shooting snipes and meadowlarks, riding the horses, just so many good memories. You are loved and will be missed, but definitely never forgotten. God bless you and be with your family. |
| Hazen & Janie Culley (Beaufort, SC ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Dear Eva and the rest of the Kirton family: Mr. Kirton was an inspiration to many people, including myself. I always enjoyed talking to Mr. Kirton and Eva when they came to eat at Giusseppe's (where I worked as a waitress in highschool). I will always remember the words of inspiration from Mr. Kirton and Eva. He will live in the hearts of many for a long time to come. God Bless Mr. Kirton and his family, he was truly a magnificant person. I am thankful for having known Mr. Kirton and Eva. |
| Christie Trope (Pio) (Port Orange, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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My warmest sympathy to the family. Coach Kirton was a friend and a mentor. I will always remember his beautiful smile and strong character. Godspeed, my friend. |
| Marie Kay (Holly Hill, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Goodbye Barefoot Jimmy. I will miss your smiling face and your jokes. Love ya From all your freinds at All Florida Plumbing. |
| Emaline Walker (Ormond Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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I am go grateful that Mr. Kirton was a part of my life in high school and out side of school. He touched my life so deeply and will never be forgotten. I went though some hard times through high school and he was always there for me no matter what the problem was. He would have done anything for anyone at Seabreeze High. I loved him and will miss him much. I was in the graduating class of 2002 the last year he was at Seabreeze. My prayers and thoughts will always be there for him. Sue xoxo |
| Sue Dixon (Port Orange, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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I am very blessed to have known Mr. Kirton. He made such a huge impact on my life. I will always remember him walking the hallways at Mainland with his big smile, greeting everyone by name as we passed. What a remarkable man. Know that he will be greatly missed, NEVER forgotten and that a part of him will live on in each of the lives that he touched. With heartfelt sympathy, Tammy Boyle Pratt Mainland Class of 1984 |
| Tammy Pratt (Boyle) (Ormond Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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| Phil Cook (Edgewater, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Praying for the entire Kirton family and the many loved ones who will miss an amazing man. The world was a better place because of Jim Kirton. Erika and Greg Campbell (MSH - class of 1985) |
| Erika Campbell (Palm Coast, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Friend and Loved Ones of Jimmy, Jimmy was a friend of mine and much of Mainland High School. We did not necessarily run in the same circles but you were always looked up to and in fact set a standard for many of us to measure up to. Jimmy has left very large footprints in his life and will be sorely missed. Always had a friendly smile and a welcome hello. I am proud to have been associated with him but a comfort in knowing that he is at peace and in the company of the GREAT QUARTERBACK of all our lives. I wish the family comfort during this sad time for you. May God richly bless and keep you. Most Sincerely, Larry McGlashan lmcglas@bellsouth.net |
| Larry McGlashan (Orlando, FL ) lmcglas@bellsouth.net |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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To the Kirton Family My extended family and I send our condolences. Jim was a great man and an inspiration to so many people. Our prayers go to you during this time. |
| Jeani Pounds (Daytona Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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So long my friend. You made a difference in the lives of children and adults. May God bless your family--wife, children,and grandchildren. |
| Jessie Childs (Daytona Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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I was so sad to hear of Jimmy's passing.I met Jim in 1979 he was working with Nuke Ingels & they were installing a well system at my new house.I remember his smile & talking to him about the area, I had just moved here.Best regards Greg & Denise |
| Greg Gaver (Port Orange, FL ) greggaver@aol.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Coach, I learned so much about true character from you. You were as tough as nails, yet as gentle as a lamb - I took your life teachings and those of my parents, and I turned out pretty good - thanks. Be careful with that "cattle prod" and air holed paddle up there, I will never forget you. God Bless the Kirton Family "Big Ben" Johnson #66 Class of 75 Mainland HS |
| "Big Ben" Johnson (Columbus, GA ) john6255@bellsouth.net |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Mr. Kirton, You have been an inspiration to me and many other students whose lives you've touched. You were a wonderful man. I enjoyed coming up to the ranch on the weekend. Finally your suffering is over, God bless you. Natasha & Tom Scorza |
| Natasha Scorza (Ormond Beach, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Dear Kirton Family, Both of my daughters had the privilege of having Mr. Kirton as their Principal, one at Silver Sands Middle School, the other at Seabreeze High School. It never ceased to amaze me to watch him address each and every one of his "kids" by name when he saw them getting off the bus, being dropped off in cars, or simply walking through the breezeway. I recall him dressing up in full costume, war paint and all, and running like a wild man around the football field during a Silver Sands home game! My family is truly sorry for your loss, and Mr. Kirton will be missed. Pam Lawton O'Shea, daughters Holly Lawton Pane and Amber Lawton |
| Pam O'Shea (Ormond Beach, FL ) osheapj@earthlink.net |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Godspeed to a remarkable man. I will never forget the legacy you have left with myself and my family. I loved when you came to Jack and Jeans and Kay would cut your hair. Your smile and charm wil never leave my memories. I always called you 'my boyfriend' even when I told my husband of your passing last night. He smiled and said 'heaven has a new angel'. As you walk the streets of gold and sit at the right hand of the Father just know that you have a very special place in many hearts in Florida and around the world. I love you and always will. |
| Betty Solomon-Greene (Winter Garden, FL ) bettylgreene@yahoo.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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MR.KIRTON, YOU MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON SO MANY PEOPLE'S LIFE. LIVES WERE CHANGED DUE TO YOUR GENEROSITY AND CARE. YOU TRULY ARE AND GREAT MAN AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. BE WITH GOD NOW AND KNOW THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN... ~LAURA |
| LAURA FINNEGAN (ORMOND BEACH, FL ) LFINNEGAN@GCITRAVEL.NET |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Mr. Kirton, You will never be forgotten. You will always be an inspiration to me and I'm sure the entire Class of '96. Jamie Fansler (Hess) |
| Jamie Fansler (Hess) (Port Orange, FL ) Lovinglolo2003@yahoo.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Jimmy, I'll never forget the day I got the tractor stuck in the woods (of course, after being told not to drive through that puddle!) Ha! Ha! I'm sorry I never got to say goodbye. Go easy...Love ya man... Patrick, Annette, Jake |
| Patrick Johns (Port Orange, FL ) |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Mr Kirton: Can still remember you walking the halls at Mainland High School and knowing all of our names. You were a very positive influence on all of you students but most of all a true and caring friend. There is a new star in the heavens tonite...You are missed and very much loved.... |
| DarcyLynn Justice (Port Orange, FL ) darcylynn.justice.ceqw@statefarm.com |
| October 12, 2005 | |
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Jimbo, You were an inspiration in my entire life. More than cousins, I felt that we were more like brothers.I'm gonna miss you buddy!! We've been through a lot in the 35 years than we've been close. Your last email about raising Timothy Jr is a treasure to me, and will never be forgotten! Your pain is over, rest my friend! Timothy Lester Johns, Sr. |
| Timothy Johns (Port Orange, FL ) ddigital@yahoo.com |
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