STEELEVILLE – James Matthew Kirkland, 73, of Steeleville, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville.

Jim was born in Sparta, Illinois, to Jesse and Geraldine (Appel) Kirkland on December 23, 1943. On May 7, 1966, he married Connie Biermann. From this union was born four children, Shawn (Amy) Kirkland of Sparta, Patrick (Chris) Kirkland of Steeleville, Michael (Debbie) Kirkland of Murphysboro, Mandie (Brandon) Schmierbach of Marissa. They were blessed with eight grandchildren, Lauren (Juma) John, Sadie Kirkland, Matthew (Veronica) Kirkland, Kirzdy Kirkland, Blade Kirkland, Elijah Schmierbach, Emma Schmierbach, and Ellie Schmierbach and two great grandchildren, Azlynn John and Kasper Russo.

Jim graduated from Sparta High School and worked for many years at Valley Steel. In 1971 he left Valley Steel and went to work at Niederbrach Truck Service. He continued to work here and eventually became owner/operator prior to retiring in 2012. Throughout his life, Jim was involved in many organizations including Khoury League and the Steeleville Fire Department where he served as Assistant Chief until retiring. He was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, serving on the school board and as an elder for many years. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his boys.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Ralph Biermann, and one brother, Eugene Kirkland. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as one brother, George Kirkland of Coulterville, three sisters, Lola (Art) Steinheimer and Marie (Jesse) Zepeda of Sparta, Sofronia (Bill) Smith of West Frankfort, mother-in-law, Lavera Biermann of Sparta, sister-in-law, Donna (Steve) Eaton of Sparta, and brother-in-law, Danny (Genna) Biermann of Marion and numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 20, 2017 at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Steeleville with Rev. Kelly Bedard officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Thursday from 5 pm until 8 pm and on Friday from 9 am until 11 am. The preferred form of remembrance are donations to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or St. Mark's Lutheran School.