They say park rangers get paid in sunsets. Zachary Kirkland was paid a full amount of sunrises and sunsets with Cumberland Island and the family he loved. Zack passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in St. Marys, surrounded by loved ones.
Zack was born in Bartow, Florida, in 1939. After serving in the Navy for four years during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Zack became a park ranger for the National Park Service. His first assignment was at Everglades National Park, where met the love of his life, Janice, when she and a friend were escaping mosquitos in the campground. The two of them married shortly after meeting and were rarely apart. Janice traveled with Zack first to the Smoky Mountains National Park, and then to Cumberland Island.
For several years, Zack and Janice lived on Cumberland Island in a park ranger cabin in the newly established national park, where they had two children, Laurel and Graham. The family later moved to St. Marys, on the mainland where the children could attend school. They found a house overlooking the marsh with a view of Cumberland Island and the ferry route he followed every week day.
Zack was proud to be a park ranger and to share Cumberland Island with visitors. He often showed family and friends around the island, telling stories and sharing memories of a mysterious and beautiful place. Zack retired from the National Park Service after more than 25 years, but he stayed near Cumberland Island, fishing and shrimping in the surrounding creeks.
Zack also spent his retirement years following Janice to craft shows. Janice, "the gnome lady,” kept him busy traveling from the coast to the mountains. They enjoyed vacations at a mountain house in Hiawassee.
Zack is survived by Janice and their children, Laurel (Nat) and Graham (Meg), and one granddaughter, Louisa. Zack's family will bring his ashes to Cumberland Island for a private family memorial. Please share and enjoy the wonders of national parks in his honor.
Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mr. Kirkland’s arrangements.