John Edwin Kirkland

John Edwin Kirkland, 67, of Biloxi, Mississippi, went to God on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 1:12 pm surrounded by his family.

John was born to Fred and Jean Kirkland on March 2, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He grew up and spent his life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he served the State of Mississippi in his career in law enforcement. In his later years he enjoyed a career working for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health at the Specialized Treatment Facility in Long Beach, MS.

He was an avid talker and storyteller. He enjoyed reading and saw himself as a novice woodworker. His family and his wife of 40 years was his greatest pleasure.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jean Kirkland; brother, David Kirkland; sister, Mary Jean Kirkland, and aunt, Dorothy Lewis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Kirkland of 40 years; three children, Charlotte King (Nicholas), Katie Rockholt (Ryan), and Johnny Kirkland (Lyn); seven grandchildren, Christian King, Bailey Pratt, Baylin Rockholt, Asher Boulanger, Breelyn Rockholt, Camden Kirkland, and Brantley Kirkland; three siblings, Cliff Kirkland, Kathy Potts, and Nancy Boney; numerous nieces and nephews; a multitude of friends; and his two dogs, Sandy and Sunny.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Services will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi, MS. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Kirkland.