The community is mourning the loss of John Paul Kirk, Sr., who passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on December 9, 2025. Surrounded by his loving family, including his wife of 73 years, Alice Kirk, John’s life was marked by devotion to family, friends, and community service.
John was born on March 14, 1931, in Ashland, Alabama, the youngest child of Daniel P. and Clara I. Kirk. He remained closely connected to his roots, maintaining relationships with his ten siblings and their families throughout his life. After graduating from Clay County High School in 1949, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, now known as the Air Force, where he was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base to teach aircraft electronics.
It was in Amarillo that John met Alice, and they married on December 27, 1952. Together, they raised three children: John, Jr., Kathy, and Rebecca. The couple was blessed with ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with another expected in January 2026.
After his military service, the couple moved to Atlanta, where John earned an equivalent of an AA degree at Southern Tech. He later returned to education, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle University at the age of 76. A passionate aviator, John held a pilot’s license for 50 years, earning multiple ratings, including instrument and commercial.
John and Alice’s adventurous spirit led them to work in Bogotá, Colombia, before settling in Torrance, California. There, John launched a successful career in financial planning, eventually establishing his own investment company after more than 50 years in the industry.
Throughout his life, John was deeply involved in community service. He served as a member and president of the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, a member of Toastmasters International, and held leadership positions on various boards, including The Arc South Bay and the Torrance YMCA. He was also president of the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce and a lifetime member of the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
In 1961, John and Alice joined the First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach, where John became a cherished member of the community. His contributions included chairing boards and committees, most notably helping to establish the church’s endowment fund, a legacy that will benefit future generations.
John is survived by his wife, Alice, their children, and a large extended family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor John’s life will take place at 11:00 AM on January 10, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 243 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Family and friends are encouraged to attend as the community comes together to celebrate the remarkable life of a man who touched many hearts.
