James Howard Kirby

James Howard Kirby was born September 21, 1919 to Norman Levi Kirby and his wife Grace Barbara Johnson on their homestead NW of Coronach, SK. He was the fourth of ten children. He attended Berg School. In 1929 the family moved to the ranch north of Scout Lake. James completed his formal education at Scout Lake School. He enjoyed helping on the family ranch and in his later teen years he worked for other farmers and ranchers in the area. In 1941 he enlisted in the army and was stationed in Regina. On June 28, 1941 James married Emma May Roberts. They had four children – Delmer, Calvin, Diane and Lester. After his discharge from the army they returned to Scout Lake where he worked on the railroad. In October 1943 he moved his family to Emma’s father’s ranch, west of Lisieux. He loved ranching and took great pride in raising registered horned Hereford cattle. In 1979 James and Emma moved into their new house in Rockglen. He took great pride in his yard. He had a vegetable garden along with many fruit trees, raspberries and strawberries. He was very particular about his lawn. He enjoyed leather stamping, playing his guitar and bowling with family and friends. In 2012 his health began to fail and in September he became a resident at Grasslands in Rockglen. He went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at age 95. James was predeceased by his wife of 73 1\2 years, Emma May Roberts, on December 6, 2014. He was also predeceased by his father, Norman Levi Kirby, August 1976; his mother Grace Barbara Johnson, July 1946; his brothers and their wives Charles (Ellen), Clarence (Gretha), Ernest (Rose); his sister Margaret; and his brothers-in-law Earl Heagy, William Linden, William Kalbfleisch, and Fred Talock. He is survived by his sisters Grace Heagy, Myrtle Linden, Elsie Kalbfleisch, and Violet Talock; and one brother Ralph and his wife Margaret, and sister-in-law Lois and her husband, Metro Koropatnisky. He is also survived by his children Delmer (Geraldine) Kirby of Buffalo Pound Lake, Calvin (Elizabeth) Kirby of Rockglen, Diane Kirby of Rockglen and Lester (Victoria) Kirby of Bakersfield, California; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Assiniboia Alliance Church. Pastor Greg Dermody officiated. Tribute was given by Marsha Reimer and Scripture Reading and Eulogy by Nathan Kirby. Music Ministry was led by Pam Mytroen, accompanied by Pianist, Tricia Kirby. Soloist, Liz Kirby sang “Complete in Thee” and Soloist, Donna-Marie Delorme sang “Celebrate Me Home”. Pallbearers were: Dakota Johnston, Jason Delorme, Tyler Kirby, Nathan Kirby, David Reimer, and Kim Sebastian. Lester Kirby led the graveside interment service at the Rockglen Municipal Cemetery, Rockglen. Donations in Memory of Jim may be made to the Rockglen Health Care Auxiliary. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.