James W. Kirby
November 5, 1928 ~ September 1, 2018
He was born Nov. 5, 1928 in Covington, KY, the son of the late John L. and Eunice (Stephenson) Kirby.
Raised in Washington, Indiana, he attended schools in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1948, where he played on the football team. After graduation, he joined the United State Navy.
James served as a photographer in the United States Navy for 23 years (1948-1971). He served during the Korean Conflict and did two tours of duty in Vietnam while stationed aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge (CVA-33) and the U.S. America (CVA-66).
He was united in marriage on Christmas morning, December 25, 1950, in Washington, Indiana, to Rose Marie Cannon. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before her death earlier this year on April 17, 2018.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, James worked as the state manager for National Business Systems for more than 20 years, processing all State of Missouri drivers licenses.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; Holy Name Society; American Legion Post 5; Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1003; Fleet Reserve Association Branch 380; National Association of Naval Photographers; the Navy League of Mid-Missouri and Capital Squares dancing group.
He enjoyed photography and gardening. His life was one of service to God, his family, his country, and to all those he had the pleasure of meeting.
Survivors include two daughters, Debbie (Tim) Butler of Matthews, NC; Beckie (Mike) Voiles of Jefferson City, MO; three granddaughters, Holly (Martyn) Smith of Mint Hill NC; Kristina (Phil) Bellin of Wardsville, MO; Jaclyn (Brett) Alter of Orlando, FL; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Dan (Sally) Kirby of Cottage Grove, OR; a sister-in-law, Margaret Casper of Washington, IN; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Evelyn Martin, of Holts Summit, MO and Chip Maury, of Pembroke, MA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rose; and three sisters and brothers-in-law.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. I.C. Medina officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the VFW - Baysinger/Sone Memorial Post 1003, 105 Irwin Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109; Parkinsons Research; or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, PO Box, 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
so sorry to hear about Jim. He was my manager when I worked at NBS Imaging systems. Prayers will be sent up for him.
Don and I are deeply saddened at hearing about Jim’s death- but also extremely happy that he and Rose are once again together! Jim and Rose have been in and out of our lives for years- they have been a major influence on Don’s life. We are so honored to have visited with Jim and Rose either at their house, our house, in Mobile at Don’s parents home, or at Decoration Day at Johnson’s Chapel Cemetery at the Kirby grave sites. We were able to attend Rose’s funeral in April and had plans to attend Jim’s funeral- but for circumstances beyond our control we will not be able to travel to Missouri this week. Our hearts will be there on Thursday even if we will be still in Alabama.
Fair winds and following seas Old Salt. Rest easy Jim, we have the watch now. No one can ever imagine the positive impact you had on me when I was a new, 17-year-old sailor who had the King Midas tough in reverse. Thank you for the guidance and always asking the Boss to give me one more opportunity. Never another chance was it Jim. You left an indelible mark on our US Navy. Your admonisment to me to “Pass it along as freely as you go it!” continues to pass from generation to generation. Blue skies old friend.
Beckie So sorry to hear about Jim. I know he and Rose are together again. Hope I get to see you again one day.