James Walter Kirby, 89, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018, surrounded by his family.
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; Parkinson’s Research; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box, 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.