November 13,1954 – July 31, 2026

Jim Kalkbrenner passed away at his home in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 31, 2026. He was 71 years old.

Jim was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in Manhattan, Illinois. As a young adult, he called Chicago home before settling in St. Louis — a city he came to love.

Jim spent his professional career in events and cultural programming, bringing his warmth, curiosity, and eye for detail to everything he organized. He had a lifelong love of history and the arts, but music was one of the great joys in his life — he was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Church choir, where his beautiful singing voice touched everyone who heard it. 

Along with work and music, Jim found joy in his garden, where he spent countless hours nurturing every plant with the same care and attention he gave to the special people in his life.

We will remember him as endlessly charming, incredibly kind, and the type of person who made everyone feel like an old friend.

Jim is survived by his children, Julia Rigano and John Kalkbrenner; his grandson, Hayden Tiggs; his sister, Judy Moore; and his former wife, Joi Whittico.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on

Saturday, September 5th, at 10:00 AM

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 110 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124(opens in new tab), with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s honor to the Missouri Botanical Garden,(opens in new tab), St. Louis Symphony(opens in new tab), or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church(opens in new tab).