Fr. John Kirk

Father John Kirk, a devoted Catholic priest of the Diocese of Nashville, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Father Kirk answered his calling early, attending St. Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, KY, and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Ordained in 1970 at Sacred Heart Church (now The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) in Knoxville, he dedicated his life to serving the Diocese of Nashville, founding new parishes and serving communities across Middle Tennessee. Upon retirement in 2018, Father Kirk continued to serve as needed, cherishing his role as a priest. He said, "Being a parish priest is all I wanted to be. I am eternally grateful and thankful to our Lord for the call to be his priest." Known for his generosity, quick laugh, non-judgmental mercy, and steadfast faith, Father Kirk lived simply, enjoying praying, reading, walking, mentoring young people, and ice cream. He baptized and married many nieces and nephews, leaving a lasting family legacy. His family loves and honors him for the life he modeled, the walks they shared, and his unwavering kindness and generosity in times of need. The family wishes to thank all who cared for him and showed him the respect and dignity he deserved. He lived his vocation and his life with joy and humility and now rests in eternal peace. Father Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen L. and Anna Mae Billington Kirk; sister Mary Kirk Bassett Montgomery and husband John Bassett; and brothers, Stephen L. Kirk, Jr., Joseph Billington Kirk, and Monsignor Thomas Kirk; and nephew Ambrose Bassett. He is survived by his twin sister, Anne Kirk Gallegos (Eloy); sister, Joan Kirk Lyttle (Russ); brother, Phillip Anthony Kirk (Suzanne); sisters-in-law, Gerry Kirk (Stephen) and Helen Kirk (Joseph); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The viewing will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:15 am with a Rosary service following at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, on Kingston Pike. The funeral Mass will then be held at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville, TN, on the same Friday at10 am. A reception will follow the mass in the Cathedral Hall. The interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 3 pm on that Friday. A Remembrance Mass will be held in Nashville, TN, at the Church of Nativity, on Saturday, February 7th, at 10 am. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Fr. John Kirk

October 25, 1941 - January 18, 2026