Jimmy Dean Kirby's Obituary
Jimmy Dean Kirby, 74 of Moulton passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Mercy One – Centerville.
Jim was born to Bert & Enid (Dixon) Kirby in Centerville, Iowa on August 13, 1951. Jim received his education from Moulton Udell School District, graduating in 1969. He would attend Indian Hills Community College and graduate with a vocational degree in farm machinery and mechanics in 1971. He was honorably discharged after six years of service with the Army National Guard in 1977, having earned the ARCAM badge for Sharpshooting.
On May 30, 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Rita Spurgeon in Moulton, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Julie, Jared, Jesse and Jill.
Jim had a lifelong career in the ag equipment business, with a fondness for all things John Deere.
Jim enjoyed traveling, restoring antique farm machinery and classic cars, maintaining his acreage and tree farm, and spending time visiting with his children and grandchildren.
Above all else, he was our much-loved Grandpa Jim. Patiently imparting life’s wisdom with good humor and good judgement, with gems such as “Don’t do stupid things with stupid people in stupid places”. This from the same man who built a zipline across his property for the grandchildren. Grandpa Jim took pride in contributing to family gatherings with supplies of Nerf guns, water balloons, and root beer floats. Grandpa Jim also shared his enthusiasm for vehicle and home maintenance lessons, gun collecting and target practice, and most importantly, his unwavering faith in God. He trusted the Lord as his personal savior, and was baptized in his early 20’s.
Survivors include his wife, Rita; children, Julie Stickler (Mikal), Jesse Kirby (Megan Lindstrom), Jared Kirby (Chrissy), and Jill Anderson (Adam); grandchildren, Logan Stickler (Makenna), Lucas Stickler, Owen Kirby, Hudson Kirby, Caroline Anderson, and Norah Anderson; brother, Sam Kirby (Sheila); sister, Vicki Pace (Winston); and numerous extended family members.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment with military rites will follow at Sunset View Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home with family present from 5-7:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Furever Friends and condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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