James R. Kirchner, 73, of 7070 - 17th Way North, St. Petersburg, Florida, peacefully passed Monday, March 9, 2015 at St. Anthony's Hospital. He was an Army veteran of the Viet Nam War. He then moved to St. Petersburg in 1972 from his native Saginaw, Michigan and was the proud owner of the Garden Restaurant at 217 Central Avenue from 1980 to 1994. He also was a proud supporter and participant of the Seminole Bluegrass and Arts Festivals from 1984-1993; a supporter and participant of the Taste of Pinellas charity for All Children's Hospital from 1984-1993 as well as the owner operator of the Stuffed Pepper Bar and Grill; The Wedgwood; Haines Rd Seafood and Helenka's and Guest in St. Petersburg, FL. Jim was a Hot Air Balloonist with J.D. Roehrig Racing Team. Was an avid club member with the Pigs Ultd. When Jim discovered that he was very sick he said that he had NO REGRETS I did it all.... It's been a great great ride I have been everywhere I wanted to go...see all that I wanted to see Raced cars, hot air ballooning, opened a few good restaurants, worked with my hands, Ate the finest food, Drank the finest wines.....Heard some of the best music ever played. I loved the love of my life and she is a wonderful woman.....am proud of all my kids....the grandkids are something else, they are something special. I have had more friends than you can chase a stick at......at times we didn't always agree but ... All in all Good Times He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth Kirchner; 2 daughters, Sasha E. (Isaac) Church of St. Petersburg, Julie R. Kirchner of Decatur, AL; 1 son, J.R. Kirchner of Saginaw, MI; 7 grandchildren, Sylvia Nicole Kirchner, Brandy Black, Bobbie Clark, Michael Kirchner, Barrett Kirchner, Aiden Azoon, Avery Grace Church; 8 great grandchildren, Haley Black, Payton Black, Olive Clark, Ben Clark, Clay Allen, Kate Allen, Gracie Allen, Cabela Kirchner; 6 brothers, Carl, Richard, William, Thomas, John, Brian; 1 sister, Monnie Kernstock and many dear close friends. He was predeceased by his son, Jon and daughter-in-law, Angela Kirchner; 1 grandson, Brett Allen; 3 sisters, Carolyn Livingston, Mary Ball, Judy Sorrells and 1 brother, Jeffrey Kirchner. Visitation Saturday 11:00 A.M. to service time at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, March 14, 2015 at E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home 4100 - 16th Street North. Friends and family invited to the Kirchner's home following services, food and spirits will be served... 7070 - 17th Way North, St. Petersburg. $(document).ready(function(){ });