James Merle Kilpatrick

James Merle Kilpatrick, age 80, of Celina, TX, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013 at McKinney Medical Center in McKinney, TX. He was born December 7, 1932 in Broken Arrow, OK, the son of Orbra and Ethel (Files) Kilpatrick. He married Marjorie M. Green of Petrolia, IL on March 29, 1953. James was of the Methodist faith. He retired from Halliburton after 23 years of employment where he served as president of the company for four years. James was a Navy Veteran, having served during the Korean War. He spent his retirement years running the family cattle ranch, spending time with grandchildren, and becoming an avid study of genealogy authoring a book detailing 300+ years of his family's history. Preceding James in death were his parents and one brother, Roy Kilpatrick. Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Celina, TX, three sons Randy Kilpatrick, Brian (Kim) Kilpatrick and Blake (Stephanie) all of Celina, TX, one daughter Tami (Mark) Doris of Olney, IL, one brother Lynn Kilpatrick of Hannibal, MO, one sister Gaylene Petty of Cody, WY, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 AM Tuesday at Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner, IL. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bridgeport City Cemetery.