James Edward Kirchner, 80, of St. Patrick, MO died Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton, MO. He was born March 22, 1929 in St. Patrick, MO, the son of Nick and Anna Marie Ellison Kirchner. He was raised in the St. Patrick area and graduated with the class of 1948. After high school he went to work in Bettendorf, IA. Soon after that he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. After two years in the service he returned back to the area and attended Quincy College and received his music degree. He then taught school in Kahoka, MO for sixth and seventh grade. James then went on to teach music at many different schools. After he quit teaching he became a truck driver. James was a member of the Shrine of St. Patrick, the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Council #2526 and St. Vincent De Paul. He loved playing his keyboard at the nursing home for all of the residents to enjoy. James spent a lot of time with his dogs, Princess and Maggie and traveled everywhere with him. He is survived by one sister, Kathleen Uhlmeyer of Canton, MO and one brother, William J. Kirchner and his wife Janet of West Plains, MO. James is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Nick Kirchner. Memorial services were held 10 a.m., Saturday, November 28, at the Shrine of St. Patrick in St. Patrick, MO with Father Hartley officiating. Burial with military rites was in the St. Patrick Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Animal Shelter of Quincy.