DL Capt. William James Kirchner Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. William James Kirchner Jr.

AUGUST 17, 1954 – JANUARY 22, 2024

 

Notice of passing….retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain William James “Jim” Kirchner Jr., age 69.  Jim joined Delta Air Lines 10-23-1987.  He is survived by his wife Dawn, and by their children Garrett and Amber.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park located in Kennesaw, Georgia. 

PCN Memorial site

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kennesaw-ga/william-kirchner-11636316 

William James “Jim” Kirchner, Jr., 69, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully of natural causes the morning of January 22, 2024 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jim was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 17, 1954 to William “Bill” and Gladys Kirchner. A graduate of Central High School, he went on to study at the University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, and Omicron Delta Kappa Society. He was also a member of the Arnold Air Society and enrolled in AFROTC, who recognized him as a distinguished graduate. Jim graduated with Honors from the University of Tennessee in 1976, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Following graduation, he went on to serve in the Air Force achieving the rank of Captain and Aircraft Commander traveling to a great many parts of the world. During his service Jim received multiple awards and decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, the Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Certificate of Aeronautical Rating, Solo Certificate, Mach Busters Club, and Lockheed C-141 Starlifter One Thousand and Two Thousand Hour Clubs. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1984, he went on to work as a commercial airline pilot for 35 years helping countless passengers safely reach their destinations, 31 of those years being with Delta Air Lines.

 

Jim loved God and his family unconditionally. He was an active member of Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, where he was a parishioner for 29 years and actively studied his faith. He grew up loving the outdoors, playing sports, and was a talented drummer and musician. He was an avid reader and enjoyed history, movies, games, and spending time with his loved ones. Nothing put a bigger smile on his face than sitting outside on the patio, discussing his favorite fantasy series, telling stories, and enjoying the company of his family.

 

Preceded in death by his parents Bill and Gladys, Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dawn Ann Dragston Kirchner, who he began dating while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1982, and their children, Garrett and Amber. He is also survived by his brother Ken Kirchner and his sister Robin and brother-in-law Gary Bevins of Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

The family will receive friends and family for a rosary on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10:30 AM. A public funeral mass will then be held at 11:00 AM at Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, followed by a reception at 12:00 PM at the Church’s Parish Hall. Private interment will take place at 2:00 PM at Pine Ridge Memorial Park, with Military Honors.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 or a Melanoma Research Foundation/Alliance.