James Odell Kirk was born September 16, 1917 in Gorman, Texas.

Jim served in the US Air Force in WWII as a B-17, B-24, and B-29 bomber pilot. He flew 29 missions over Japan in his B-29, Forever Amber, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as other airman medals.

He and his wife Florence were married 52 yrs until her passing. To this union came two daughters and two grandchildren.

His banking career spanned from 1938 until 1984, when he retired as President of First Pasadena State Bank.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church Pasadena.

He was involved and chaired numerous civic organizations in Pasadena, including Rotary Club, Happy Harbor Methodist Home, American Cancer Society, YMCA and the Chamber of Commerce where he served as President in 1976