James Dale (J.D.) Kirby passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at his home in rural Liberal, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Oct. 20, 1933, to James Thomas and Josie Ann (Dryer) Kirby. J.D. had fun stories of growing up on their farm, riding his ponies, and helping his parents in the fields and garden.
He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse at Glendale and graduated from Mindenmines High School, where he met and won the heart of the "girl next door," Joan Runnels. She asked him to take her home after a basketball game, and their forever love was sparked.
J.D. had farming and marriage on his mind, but Uncle Sam had other plans. He went into the Army and served at the Panama Canal for two years. It wasn't long after his plane ride back home to the states that J.D. and Joan were united in marriage on Feb. 19, 1956, at Nashville Christian Church in Nashville, Missouri. Four children were born into this union, Timothy James Kirby, Kimbra Jo Brunk (Randy), Kyle Douglas Kirby (Cindy), and Scott Thomas Kirby (Melanie).
As the farm operation grew with land, hogs, and cattle, J.D. farmed in partnership with his sons. They moved from the Nashville area to north of Liberal in 1974. J.D. loved to do the feeding chores for the cattle and was known to hide the truck keys so no one else would take his job in later years. He began farming with a team of horses, and through his 89 years, he saw many changes from tractors to implement upgrades to combines with GPS.
The Lord's work was important to him. He was an active member and deacon at Nashville Christian Church and later moved to Hannon Freewill Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. J.D. and Joan were avid Liberal Bulldog supporters, especially when they had a kid or grandchild playing. J.D. enjoyed watching Royals and Chiefs games from his recliner, but the days of driving up to Kansas City for a Royals game were a family treat. His greatest joy has been seeing his children and grandchildren grow to adulthood and carry on the family traditions for the next generation.
He is survived by three children; sister-in-law, Pam (Doug) Gregory; brother-in-law, Jerry (Janet) Runnels; a nephew, Charlie (Carol) Pierce; eight grandchildren: Kirby (Kerri) Brunk, Josie (Chris) King, Kelsey (Ethan) Stenger, Kendall (Eli) Short, Reed (Maddi) Kirby, Kale (Megan) Kirby, Kennedy (Willis) Vaught and Ty Kirby; eight great-grandchildren: Conner, Addison, Gage, Brody, Shelby, Carter, Sage, and Beckham; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan; son, Tim, in 1983; sister, Bonnie; and his parents.
If you would prefer to send a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Nashville Cemetery Association. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m at Hannon Free Will Baptist Church. A funeral will be held at Hannon Free Will Baptist Church on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at 10 a.m.
