Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | January 2026 • 3 • Get to know Kirby Pines' Ron and Martha moved to Kirby Pines recently from their previous home in Memphis. Married for 58 years, they have two children and four grandchildren. Ron graduated from The University of Louisville and had a career in transportation and marketing. He retired from Cornerstone Systems after 54 years as senior vice president. Martha graduated from The University of Kentucky and worked as a master tax advisor with H&R Block for 53 years. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Ron served as an overseas communication monitor as a Staff Sergeant. A model train collector and a gardening enthusiast, Ron will easily find new friends at Kirby. Martha enjoys sewing, crocheting, and singing in a choir. Other than these interests she has been a doll collector so she will be good fit for several of our resident programs. When asked where they had traveled, Ron’s answer was everywhere, but together, their favorite trip was a tour of England, Scotland and Wales. To stay active, Ron and Martha are regular gym participants. With their interests these newcomers will make new friends. They will soon find the Oasis is a good place to visit and exercise these winter months. Get to know Ron and Martha and make them feel right at home. We want them to enjoy their previous hobbies and interests and maybe add one or two. Welcome Ron and Martha, enjoy your new home and Kirby Pines family! Ron & Martha McDonald JimGholson Jim or Dr. G as he was titled at The University of Memphis moved recently from his previous home near the U of M where he taught the clarinet in the music department for 40 years. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of educators, he grew up on the eastern coast of the U.S. with 2 sisters. He is very proud of his son Christopher (Drummer Boy) and his grandson, Omari. Jim graduated from Michigan State University then earned his Masters and Doctoral Degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Jim earned an E-1 Rank in the Navy Band. Christmas, especially the music, is Jim’s favorite holiday and he moved here just in time for our many musical programs and beautiful decor. An interesting childhood memory of Jim’s is his first clarinet lessons. He studied with a teacher from the Marine band and the service bands played outdoor concerts at Watergate in D.C. on a barge, a tradition started by Lincoln. Traveling with the Navy Band provided many opportunities for Jim to see the U.S.A. He also traveled to South Africa, 5 trips to Italy (loves Italian food), 3 visits to Paris, Japan and many trips to New York to visit his grandmother. Don’t miss getting to know Jim, his friends describe him as creative, outgoing and friendly. His many interests and talents will be an asset to our community. We are so glad Jim chose Kirby Pines for this chapter in his life. Welcome Jim! NEW RESIDENTS New Resident Bios written by resident, Peggy Reynolds Gatlin