James Michael Kirkwood

May 28, 1947 - September 13, 2025

James Michael Kirkwood, 78, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the cherished son of the late John and Susan (née Boyce) Kirkwood and the devoted husband of 53 years to the late Elsie Kirkwood.

James proudly served his country as a battlefield medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his bravery and dedication. Following his military service, he continued a life of care and compassion as both an ER and OR nurse at the former Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia, and later with the Veterans Administration, where he dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans secure the benefits they deserved.

A lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan, James also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins. He loved sitting on the porch and watching his grandkids. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving 4th Degree status. Above all, he treasured time with his grandchildren, whose lives he enriched with love, stories, and laughter. He was Pop to many….

In addition to his wife and parents, James was preceded in death by his grandsons, Ryno Kirkwood and Jimmy Witalec; his brother, Joseph Kirkwood; and his sister, Grace Kirkwood.

He is survived by his children, Shaun Kirkwood (Christy), Tinker Witalec (Chris), and Coleen Leszczynski (Jay); grandchildren, Paddy, Caden, Heather (Nick), Cecilia (Tom), Christopher (Cassie), Mackenzie, Madison, Samantha, Chelsea, Cody, Belle, Ava, and Katie; great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Ethan, Bailey, Emily, Luke, Michael, Mason, David, Max and Emma; his sisters, Anne Welsh, MaryEllen Kirkwood; and his brother, Michael Kirkwood.

In keeping with James’ wishes, all services will be announced at a later date.

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Cousin Kathryn Golden

Kathryn

John Patrick Michael Lynch

Heather Seward

Cameron Odom

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James Michael Kirkwood, 78, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the cherished son of the late John and Susan (née Boyce) Kirkwood and the devoted husband of 53 years to the late Elsie Kirkwood. James proudly served his country as a battlefield medicContinue Reading

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I love you pop, you meant the absolute world to me. I haven't felt the same since you passed. I miss your dumb story's I never understood and I miss all the amazon boxes on the front porch. You always promised to help me in math and I never let you but now I wish I did because I didnt know u wouldn't ever be able to again. May you rest in peice.

Sincere condolences to all of Jimmy*s Family May he enjoy his heavenly reward❤️🙏

As far apart as we were in philosophies, we were close in age. We were young together, and those are the memories I will hold closest to my heart.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a great dad and grandfather. Most of all he love of all of your. It was an honor to be part of your dad's life and a good friend. Love you 🙏🏻💔

Rest in peace Jim. You were a very special neighbor in my life. The neighbor who would do anything for you and not ask for anything in return. People like you leave a impression on people who will never forget you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

GOD BLESS YOU my Brother in Arms may the wings of the Eagle carry you to be with our other family members in heaven . May the flag of our freedom always wave at your back Until I see you again with my Mom and Dad you will not be forgotten. Your cousin SFC J.P. Lynch 7th Infantry Division (Manchu)

How can this be real… how could I not see it …. I only hope you left this world with as many memories as you left … I try to know your reunited with all our loved ones that past however I still wanted you here but you where needed in god army …. I’ll still do our trips as planned and hopefully I will continue to make you proud …. Until we see each other again I love you and will carry you with me …

A beautiful soul. Terrific patriot. Wonderful husband, father and grandfather. A great friend and cousin. Mr. Reliable. Already missed!

Oh Boy! A little thing you loved to say all the time. Oh Boy, is right Pop! webster doesn't even have enough words for me to adequately express what you mean to me. Your love and guidance were and is a gift from our lord that I will forever be thankful he chose you to be my grandfather. I am so proud of all your hard-earned accomplishments. You were always so proud and rightfully so. Thank you pop for loving us crazy kids. I hope you not only know how loved you were but believe it or not. your words of wisdom and like ceil says, your pop twist on things stuck and will forever be with us. I can hear ya know, pop. Keep it simple! I love you and ill carry you with me every day until we can sit and chat again.

Sincere Condolences to your guy’s grandfather. memory will live on in the stories you’ve shared and the love he gave. May you find comfort in the moments you had with him and strength in the love that surrounds you now. I’m holding you close in my thoughts and sending all my love to you and your family. With deepest sympathy, From, Cameron

You're dad was a great person treated all us bad ass kids on the block like family and your dad was like my dad hardly seen him smile but had a heart of gold he will be missed I picture you're Mom and Dad sitting on the porchin heaven like they did on Memphis st they are together again

Pop you were the greatest! You took me in when I needed love and shelter and never let me go. You were the Grandfather on my side that Jared ever knew. He knew you loved him like your own and that you were proud of all he did, especially his Military Service. Your stories are that of legend and we never got tired of hearing them. You will be remembered always for your kind but firm love and guidance. We Love You Pop.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.