Dr. Jethro H. Irby Jr.

Dr. Jethro Hurt Irby, Jr. died on Monday, March 26, 2012 at King’s Grant Retirement Community at the age of 94. He was born on October 23, 1917 in Blackstone, VA to Prudence Bagley and Jethro Hurt Irby. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Price Irby to whom he was married for fifty-two years and with whom he had three children. He was also predeceased by his sister, Netta Bagwell, and his brother, Dr. Robert Irby, both of Richmond, VA.

Dr. Irby (June) spoke fondly of growing up in Blackstone, VA during the Depression era where friendships were lasting, scarce resources were shared willingly, everyone had an unusual nickname and pranks abounded. He attended Hampden Sydney College, received his medical degree from the University of Virginia and completed his internship at Medical College of Virginia. During World War II, he was attached to the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and was captain of a battalion aid station. He served during the Battle of the Bulge. Following the end of the war, he and Margaret decided to move to Martinsville, VA where good friends had grown up and where the size of the community seemed ideal for raising a family and starting a medical practice. Dr. Irby was the consummate family doctor. He loved his patients and tirelessly served the Martinsville community delivering over 5,000 babies and giving thousands of flu shots to local textile and furniture workers.

Dr. Irby had a strong faith. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville where he served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. His favorite scripture was from Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” His strongest motivator was a desire to serve and to help others and he was instrumental in developing an outreach project at the church called WHO (We Help Others).

Dr. Irby spent his last eighteen years as a part of the King’s Grant community. There he met and fell in love with Margaret Ann Choate and they shared a fourteen-year marriage. Margaret Ann passed away in December 2011.

Dr. Irby played an active role at King’s Grant starting a coffee klatch, participating in a weekly Bible study, handing out candy and always ready to take on the challenge of a Skip-Bo card game. He had a special bond with his helper and confidante, Sadie Waller, a.k.a. Radar, who, like the M.A.S.H. character of the same name, anticipated his every need before he expressed it.

Dr. Irby is survived by his three children Jeff Irby and his wife Laurie, Prue Swerlick and her husband Bob and Jim Irby and his wife Sandy. Also surviving are his six grandchildren: Andrew Swerlick and his wife Arin, Morrie Swerlick, Maggie Swerlick, Ginna Irby, Jim Irby and Jack Irby.

Memorial services will be held at the King’s Grant Victory Chapel on Friday, March 30, at 11:00 a.m., and at First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville at 3:00 p.m. with the Reverends Jenny Spivey, Paul Johnson and Rusty Reaser officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the 3:00 p.m. service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville, 1901 Patrick Henry Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112 or King’s Grant Fellowship Fund 350 King’s Way Rd., Martinsville, VA 24112.

Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home.

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