Mr. James Matthew Kirk, age 92, died Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at his home. He was born March 10, 1916 in Lancaster, SC the son of the late R. Samuel Kirk and Etta Blackmon Kirk. After graduating from Heath Springs High School, he attended Clemson College and graduated in Agricultural Education in 1939. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Pageland High School from 1939-1942. He married Ruth P. Kirk in 1940. Mr. Kirk was in the United States Army and called into active duty in 1942. He served 4 years, obtaining the rank of Captain in the 25th Infantry Division, South Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. In 1946, he and his wife purchased a seed and feed business. In 1984, he retired as President of Lancaster Feed and Farm Supply, Inc. and Buford Milling Company. His love of country, community, church, and family remained constant in his life until his health started to decline. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. Jim was a councilman for the City of Lancaster, a member of Lancaster Soil and Water Conservation District, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Farm Bureau, and Lancaster Civitan Club. He supported higher education with an endowment for student scholarships at Clemson University.Mr. Kirk is survived by his son, James B. "Jimmy" Kirk and his wife Jayne of Lancaster and his daughter, M. Kathryn Kirk Douglass and her husband, Graham "Scott" Douglass of Durham, NC, and a grandson, Robert J. Douglass of Durham, NC. The Family would like to express much appreciation to his caregivers, Frances, Christine, and Jackie.Mr. Kirk was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years and his siblings, Margaret Harper, Mabel Harper, Sara Etta Rabon, and Ralph D. Kirk. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mr. Kirk will be 2:00 pm Friday afternoon, July 25, 2008 at First Baptist Church by Rev. David Pace. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park. The Family will receive friends one hour before the service in the church social hall and suggest in lieu of flowers memorials be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 670, Lancaster, SC 29721.