James Faulkner Obituary

James Edwin Faulkner, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Florida, on December 10, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on July 18, 1934, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Jim led a life filled with passion, love, and dedication to his family and community.

Jim was the son of Donald T. Faulkner, Sr. and Minnie (Crocker) Faulkner. He was preceded in death by his brother, Don Faulkner, Jr. (Barbara), and sister, Mona (Faulkner) Lynders. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kirker) Faulkner, whom he married on February 24, 1959. Together, they raised three sons: Jeff Faulkner (Laureen), Greg Faulkner (Kathy), and Neal Faulkner (Caitlin). Jim's legacy continues through his seven grandchildren: Alison Faulkner (Sanjin Mrkajic), Kelly Faulkner (Kellon Spencer), Michelle Faulkner, Brooke Faulkner, Samantha Faulkner, Shelby Faulkner, and Gregory Faulkner; and three great-grandchildren: Adriana Mrkajic, Nikola Mrkajic, and Sadie Spencer.

Jim's academic journey began in Bridgeport, CT where he attended Bassick High School. Following a four-year interlude during which he worked as a milk delivery driver and manager for the Borden Company, he pursued higher education, starting at Bridgeport University before transferring to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he graduated in 1958.

Throughout his youth, Jim was an avid sports enthusiast, excelling in various activities through YMCA and school programs. He was particularly proud of being a state champion swimmer and a strong competitor in billiards, table tennis, and tennis. He continued to play tennis at a high level at both of his universities. He often spoke of life lessons he received from Baker coach James Irick, for whom his son Greg also played. Later in life, Jim took up horseshoes and golf with the same passion as for his earlier sports. He enjoyed countless rounds with family and friends across Kansas, Hawaii, and Florida. His most cherished golf partner was always Kathy, even if she occasionally outdrove him!

Jim's professional journey began in agribusiness when he became the bookkeeper at Baldwin Grain Company while still a student. Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the industry, he took on the management role with the same enthusiasm he applied to sports. Under his leadership, the company achieved record results in grain trading and farm supply sales. After successfully steering the company for several decades, he retired in 1992 after a victorious battle with cancer, choosing to spend his senior years embracing his passions and enjoying life in beautiful locations like Lahaina, Maui, Lawrence, Kansas, and Naples, Florida.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim truly loved his time outdoors. Since childhood, he loved fishing. Whether on the Long Island Sound, Lake Zoar, a Kansas farm pond or the Pacific Northwest, he was passionate about catching (and eating fish). He often said he didn't practice catch and release. He preferred catch and filet!

While he also enjoyed dressing well, his wardrobe had few pants and jackets in it. He had a strong dislike of cold weather, which led him to relocate to sunnier climes where he could spend most of his days in shorts. He had an equally strong aversion to dirty vehicles. He kept rolls of quarters in his cars so that he could pop into a self-service car wash on short notice. Later, he enrolled in an unlimited plan at a nearby car wash - and used it aggressively.

As a dedicated fan, Jim was a lifelong supporter of Kansas basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs, proudly holding season tickets since the opening of Arrowhead Stadium. His passion for sports was evident to any of his visitors - family, friends or strangers who came close enough for him to engage. Actually, Jim never knew a stranger, he was always up for a chat.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jim's name to one of the following institutions: Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Avow Hospice in Naples, FL, or Baker University.

Jim Faulkner will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of playful competitiveness, humor, and love will continue to resonate through the lives of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.