Jim D. Kilgore

Jim Kilgore, 72, passed away on Saturday, April 18, after a brave battle with cancer, with his loving wife, Kay, by his side. Jim was born to Bennett & Leatha Juanita Kilgore, Sr. on June 17, 1953.

Jim retired in 2020 after 48 dedicated years with GE/SABIC. After three years of retirement, in 2024, he was appointed Street Commissioner for the City of Mt. Vernon—a role he truly loved and carried out faithfully until the day before his passing. Hard work wasn’t just something Jim did—it was who he was. On weekends, even without a job to report to, he would rise early and spend his days at “the barns,” working on cars, fixing things, visiting friends to lend a helping hand, or simply “piddling,” as his grandchildren lovingly called it.

Jim could get just about anything working again -whether it was a weed eater, lawn mower, motorcycle, vehicle, something around the house, or even a stubborn strand of Christmas lights. He had a passion for working on older cars and took great pride in restoring a 1937 Ford truck and his 1969 Cougar, a car he had originally purchased at the age of 19.

An avid deer hunter, Jim cherished the many years spent hunting alongside his friend, Tom Hoehn. He also treasured his hunting trips to Colorado and always hoped to return one day.

Camping was one of Jim’s favorite pastimes. Whether with his children, grandchildren, or friends, he created countless cherished memories. He also looked forward to Friday night dinner dates with friends, as well as traveling and going on cruises.

Jim was a true gentleman at heart. He believed in opening doors, walking on the street side of the sidewalk, and carrying his wife’s shopping bags. Even after nearly 38 years together, he still held hands with his beloved wife, Kay.

He was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Eagles, Western Hills Country Club, and the Mt. Vernon Conservation Club.

Jim was married to the love of his life, Kay (Essary) Kilgore, for nearly 34 years. He is also survived by his children: daughter, Alyssa (Jacob) McCullough of Texas; sons, Jonathan Kilgore of Kentucky, Brandyn (Erin) Mohr of Mt. Vernon, and Matthew (Nick) Kilgore of New York.

He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Brendyn, Madilyn (Mack), and Izabelle Mohr; Avery, Harper, Kayla, and Jacob Moore; and Janie and Elijah McCullough.

Jim is also survived by his sister, Patsy (Rick) Wagner; brothers, Bennett Jr. (Sheila), Jack (Kim), and Stephen (Jeri) Kilgore; sisters- and brother-in-law Cindy (Randy) Owens, Tammy (Doug) Shipley, John (Lisa) Essary, and April (Mike) Hendrixson; along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous others who were family by choice.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, John and Shirley Essary; nephew Chris Wagner; and niece Jennifer Owens.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Denning Family Funeral Home with Rev. Bryan Thompson officiating. Burial to follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday from 10:00 am until service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Posey County YoungLife or another charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at denningfamilyfuneralhome.com