Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio

Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall

Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio

End of Watch Wednesday, October 28, 1970

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James A. Kirkendall

Lieutenant James Kirkendall was killed in an automobile collision involving two trucks on US Route 33 near St. Johns.

Lieutenant Kirkendall was traveling west on the rain-slicked road and clipped the left rear of a dump truck while changing lanes. His patrol vehicle spun into the eastbound lane and was struck by another truck.

Lieutenant Kirkendall was a WWII veteran who had served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 21 years and served as the commander of the Van Wert Post. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 21 years
Badge 8/108
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

routine driving, vehicle crash, weather

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NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Columbus, Ohio and the additional 75 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 28, 2025