James Kirby

James Kirby, age 81 of Puryear, TN, died Saturday, May 16, 2020, at his residence.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam Conflict. James was a retired minister in the Pentecostal Church of God and a retired school bus driver for the Henry County School System in Paris.  He loved to preach and enjoyed fishing.

James was born July 8, 1938, in Brookport, IL, to the late Millard Kirby and the late Lee Helen Davis.

He was married June 3, 2000, to Mary Kennedy Kirby, who survives, of Puryear, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by, three daughters, Patty (Pat) Murphy of Ocala, FL, Darlene (Bill) Thompson of Apopka, FL, and Nicole (Mark) Shields of Apopka, FL; one son, John (Diane) Kirby of Apopka, FL; one stepson, Timothy Johnson of Monette, AR; one brother, Ronnie (Louise) Kirby of Poplar Bluff, MO; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Faye Johnson; and two stepsons, Ricky Dale Johnson and Danny Eugene Johnson.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 10:00 am at Lighthouse Ministries Church, 8798 Highway 641 N, Puryear, TN 38251.

Burial of cremains with military honors will follow the service in Peace Chapel Cemetery in Scotts Hill, TN.