Uncle Sonny always had a smile and hug for me whenever we saw each other. We’ve shared laughter with my favorite and probably most recent memory regarding the Kilpatrick farm and the chicken. Always on my mind, forever in my heart. Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May him and the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
James "Sonny" William Kilpatrick
March 10, 1947 ~ June 7, 2026
Born in: Syracuse, Kansas
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
James “Sonny” William Kilpatrick Jr., age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 7th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 10, 1947, in Syracuse, Kansas, James lived a life defined by faith, family and service.
He graduated from Wichita State University and spent his professional career as a captain for the Wichita Airport Police & Fire Division, where he was known for his integrity and hard work.
James served with honor and distinction in the United States Navy for 10 years. He enlisted in 1966 and served aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal. His dedication to his country earned him commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He was immensely proud to be a Sailor and to defend the freedoms of this nation.
James’ deepest passion was his faith in Jesus Christ. For 28 years, he was a devoted member of The Gideons International, serving in the Northwest Camp. He took great joy in distributing God’s Word to schools, hospitals, hotels, and military installations. He believed deeply in the power of Scripture to change lives and spent countless hours speaking at local churches to share the Gideon ministry.
James was preceded in death by his wife Judith; daughter Robin Kilpatrick; step-daughter Rebecca Kaiser; parents James Kilpatrick Sr. and Freda Fullbright; sister Freda Gates and brother Eugene Kilpatrick.
Survivors include his daughter Kimberly Spunaugle, Wichita; stepdaughters Wendy Humble (Carl); Marcy Winter (Mark); sister Willa Koehn; 8 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with Gideons International, P. O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214. Donations can be made online at https://gideons.org/ to continue James’ mission of spreading the Gospel.
A celebration of James’ life and faith will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Services
Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 13, 2026 10:00 am
Downing & Lahey West Mortuary
10515 W. Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
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2026-06-13 10:00:00
2026-06-13 10:00:00
James "Sonny"WilliamKilpatrickCelebration of Life
Celebration of Life
10515 W. Maple,Wichita, KS 67209
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