James R. “Bob” Kirkpatrick, 76, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at his home.
Bob was born to the late Sterling and Freda (Kelley) Kirkpatrick on Dec. 15, 1946 in Cape Girardeau. While in school, Bob worked summers from 1960-64 on the Painton Plantation in Painton. He also worked construction for Brown Construction in Dexter, from 1965-68. After high school, Bob attended the former Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, and received his bachelor’s degree in history education. He went on to teach history in Buffalo, Mo. from 1968-69 before being drafted to Vietnam. From 1969-71, Bob was an infantry platoon sergeant for the United States Army. After returning home from combat, he resumed teaching history and coached basketball at Advance High School in Advance.
In 1975, Bob and his family moved north to Bowling Green where he took a position coaching and teaching physical education. The next year, he continued coaching but moved into the guidance counselor role after successfully obtaining his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Truman State University in Kirksville. In 1978, Bob advanced his career again becoming the Principal of the former Bowling Green Junior High School while also earning his Specialists Degree in Education administration (superintendency), which he completed in 1985. He would go on to be named the superintendent of Bowling Green Schools this same year, following the death of Murry S Smith.
Bob held the superintendent role for 5 years before moving into adult education, becoming the Tech Prep Coordinator, later the Director of Pike-Lincoln Technical Center in Eolia, in 1990. He remained in this role until his retirement from education in 2001. Acting on his desire to remain a positive influence for the community, Bob successfully ran and was elected as Pike County clerk, which he held from 2002-12.
After his tenure as county clerk, Bob returned to his passion for education and the development of today’s youth, and was elected to the Board of Education, where he remained until his passing.
When Bob wasn’t devoting time to his career passions, you could always find him playing basketball, fishing, hunting, or spending time traveling with family in their motorhome.
Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diane, and his brother, Daryl (Nellie) Kirkpatrick. Also surviving are his children: Alana (Dean) Mesenbrink, John Kirkpatrick, Sarah Mitalovich (Andrew Sambuceto), Cody (Lara) Mitalovich, and Adam (Erica) Mitalovich. Grandchildren: Maura Mesenbrink, Kayla Mesenbrink, Dustin Kirkpatrick, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Hailey Kirkpatrick, Bradley Sambuceto, Sage Mitalovich, Noah Mitalovich. He is also survived by a host of beloved family and friends.
“Courage is the strength to do the tough thing well for the right reasons in the right way.” ~ Bob Kirkpatrick
Burial will be 10/9/23 a the St. Clement Cemetery, Bowling Green.
