James (Jim) Hulen Kirven

James (Jim) Hulen Kirgan transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home at the age of 86, June 13, 2026, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas.

Jim was born on April 27, 1940 in Sweetwater, Texas to parents, Hulen and Carolyn Kirgan. He has made his residence at 7K Ranch in Kirvin, Texas since his retirement in 2001.

Jim Graduated from Mexia High School in 1958, Navarro College in 1960, and Sam Houston State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology. Jim followed in a family tradition to be a printer. He was employed by the Mexia Daily News in high school, learned the trade from his dad, and went to work for the newspaper after college. In 1963, Jim returned to the Mexia Daily News and later was employed by Fairfield Recorder, the family-owned business from the early 1900s. He was elected Constable of Precinct 4 in 1972 and served Freestone County for 20 years. After the Recorder sold, Jim returned to the Mexia Daily News and stepped into his dad’s shoes upon his retirement. Jim worked at the newspaper until his retirement.

Jim was ordained a Deacon in the First Baptist Church, Teague in 1972 and was called by Prairie Grove Baptist Church that same year as a minster of music where and his wife, Martha served 52.5 years until they retired and moved their church membership closer to 7K Ranch. Jim and Martha were involved with Campers on Mission for many years, an organization that worked in the winter months to refurbish Baptist Encampments for summer campers. Jim loved his ranch life and built fences, worked cattle and fished in the afternoons with his grandson, Grady. Oh, the fish tales got bigger and bigger as they discussed who caught the biggest and the most.

Jim is survived by his wife, Martha of 65 years, three children, Jim, Jr. and wife, Cindy of Teague, Kim Kirgan of Fairfield, and Meagan and husband Darren Langley of Kirvin. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Kayse and husband, Clayton Turner, Kyle Kirgan, and Kourtnee and husband, Rowdy Miers, Grady Langley, and Sarah Langley; 3 great grandchildren, Kasen Turner, June Turner, and Rheagan Miers; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Wylie; nephew, Christopher Wylie and niece, Alison Williams, a great nephew and niece Ethan and Elizabeth Williams.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Hulen and Carolyn Kirgan; his in-laws, Orville and Vivian Locklar, and his grandparents, J.R. Sr. and Thelma Sessions and L.C. and Eugenia Kirgan.

There will be no visitation. A private burial at 7K Ranch with only the immediate family as requested by Jim will be held. His last remains will be scattered under an oak tree he chose many years ago.

In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests memorials be made at the place of your choosing as well as First Baptist Church, Teague, Prairie Grove Baptist Church, Mexia or Kirvin Baptist Church, Kirvin.