It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Kirby announces his sudden passing on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at the age of 68.
Jim will be deeply missed by Linda, his wife of 48 years, along with his daughter Sharlene (Len), son Trevor (Kristen), his grandchildren Shannon, Heather, Evan and Naomi, and many more extended family and friends far and wide.
Jimmy Donald Kirby was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Irene, and his older brother Ken.
Jim was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and raised on the family farm in Rowatt. Music played a big role in Jim’s life from an early age. At 8, he took up the accordion, and at 11 he and his brother Ken, joined the Lion’s band and participated in many parades, concerts and competitions. At age 14 he was selected to represent the Lions at the Rose Bowl parade. In 1965, Jim joined the military as a bandsman, playing the tuba and base guitar at three postings: Training Command Band Winnipeg, Base Band at CFB Chilliwack and in 1994 he completed his service with the Naden Band at CFB Esquimalt. After retiring, he played with the HMCS Malahat Naval Reserve. Jim and Linda then moved to the Comox Valley in 1995, where Jim worked with the Corp of Commissionaires the past 14 years.
During his first posting in Winnipeg, many week-ends he played his accordion & bass guitar in the dance band “Blue Echoes.” He dearly loved these times. He was a gentle, caring & fun-loving man, who dearly loved his family and friends. Over a 12 year period Jim & Linda hosted about 50 full-time & many short term respite, homestay foreign students, the majority being from S. Korea. Great memories of faithfully serving His God by building into these young lives.
Jim is now “absent from the body and present with his Savior God, Jesus Christ, who he received as his own personal Savior on April 20, 1975.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish;
but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Comox Legion, 1825 Comox Ave., Comox, BC on May 21, 2016 at 1:00pm with a tea following to celebrate Jim. Please bring your memories and stories!
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made to a charity of your choice.