Celebrating the life of
J. Kirk Barefoot
February 23, 1927 - March 22, 2017
Kirk passed away peacefully on Wednesday 3/22 at home surrounded by immediate family. He lived a long and extraordinary life. Born in Braddock, PA to Dr. Neal D. Barefoot and Dr. Beula Urey Barefoot, he was a graduate of Washington State University.
He initially enlisted at age 17 in the Army Air Force Cadets, while waiting to be called up at the age of 18. 1945 found young Kirk in the Philippines where he ultimately became a member of an elite intelligence team, under the leadership of the famed Col. Wendel Fertig. Their mission was to determine whether local villagers were sympathetic to the USA or still harboring enemy forces. Kirk was a 2nd Lieutenant when he left the military, but remained active as an army reservist. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant as his professional reputation grew and he spoke across the country on the use of the polygraph and other investigative techniques. This early undercover work in the Philippines led to Kirk’s desire to study police science/criminology at WSU, where he graduated in 1951.
Kirk’s professional career blossomed at McKesson Corporation where he was the Director of Security. His use and knowledge of undercover investigation, led to his career as an author. His first book (of 4) Undercover Investigation is currently in its third edition (1995) and remains a classic in college classrooms across the country. Perhaps his greatest professional achievement was that as an early adaptor/expert witness on the use of the polygraph. He was a founding member and the first president of the American Polygraph Association in the 1960s. He was a life member of the American Society of Industrial Security and served on its board of directors. He was awarded the CPP (Certified Protection Professional). Kirk retired from Cluett, Peabody and Co. (NY, NY) after serving as Director of worldwide security operations. At this point, he moved from Riverside, CT to Skidaway Island, GA, where he and his wife of 67 years, Cathie made many new friends and enjoyed living.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Catherine (Brown) Barefoot, his children Kirk II (Anna), Janice (Nick), Scott (Kathy); his first granddaughter Rebecca (Alan), 6 additional grandchildren: Ellen, Max, Colin, Emma and Claire and three great grandchildren: James, Grace and Elliot. He was predeceased by their son Jeffrey David.
The family will receive visitors at Fox & Weeks, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah on Friday, March 24 between 5 – 7 p.m. The service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1 West Ridge Way, Savannah, GA 31411 on Saturday March 25 at 2 pm.
Donations in Kirk’s memory can be made to Messiah Lutheran or the Salvation Army.
Kirk was an inspiration to so many over generations. His love for Kathy and his children and grandchildren was palpable. He was an avatar of integrity. That ethical grounding, foundational in his every day life, impacted those around him and will continue to do so through is writings. He went around doing good and he did well.
- Robert McCrie, New York, NY
May the God of peace comfort you during this difficult time (Philippians 4:6,7). Take comfort in God's promise to do away with pain, suffering and death (Revelation 21:3,4). My condolences to the family.
- D Tucker, Locust Grove, GA
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
- JOHN AND JEAN CAPOZZI, SAVANNAH, GA
A great brother-in-law and a real "family man'. JK will be missed. ab
- Al Brown, redondo beach, cal.
To the entire Barefoot family, please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. The Geller family
- Geller, Closter, Nj
Kirk was an inspiration to so many over generations. His love for Kathy and his children and grandchildren was palpable. He was an avatar of integrity. That ethical grounding, foundational in his every day life, impacted those around him and will continue to do so through is writings. He went around doing good and he did well.
- Robert McCrie, New York, NY
May the God of peace comfort you during this difficult time (Philippians 4:6,7). Take comfort in God's promise to do away with pain, suffering and death (Revelation 21:3,4). My condolences to the family.
- D Tucker, Locust Grove, GA
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
- JOHN AND JEAN CAPOZZI, SAVANNAH, GA
A great brother-in-law and a real "family man'. JK will be missed. ab
- Al Brown, redondo beach, cal.
To the entire Barefoot family, please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. The Geller family
- Geller, Closter, Nj
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
