Jeff Kirby, 67, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 9:00 PM on Monday, April 15, 2024, at his home.

On November 4, 1956, Jeffrey David was born in Glendale, West Virginia to James Harold and Jane Lou Cox Kirby. He graduated from Linsly Military High School with the Class of 1975.  Answering the call of patriotism, Jeff served with the US Navy and was a crew member on the USS Nitro. Seaman Jeffrey Kirby was honorably discharged in 1977.

Jeff was a correction officer at a West Virginia Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison in Moundsville, WV.  He amassed many accomplishments taking specialty classes to lead his colleagues over the years while ascending to the rank of Captain. A life-long learner, Jeff continued taking specialty classes from Purdue University in 2016 -2017.  His memberships include Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars #1343 of Rochester and James Talbott Veterans of Foreign Wars# 1121 of Kewanna.  He annually was Santa Claus sharing happiness and cheer to all of the children he visited at the James Talbott VFW.

As a music lover, Jeff listened to old country and blue grass. He loved being outdoors, sitting around a bonfire and telling stories while drinking adult beverages. He embraced the outdoors while fishing in the creeks of West Virginia for blue gill and other pan fish using a cane pole was the best of times. Hunting season always produced the limit of deer and turkey.  Going go-karting and riding dirt bikes with his grandkids was great family time making memories.  He cherished the time with his grandchildren, they were his priority. Jeff's garage was his man cave.

Left to cherish Jeff's memory are his son Joshua David Kirby and wife Brittany of Rochester; daughter Courtney Kirby of Athens; ten grandchildren:  Natalie, Isabella, Branson, Donna, Anna, Lily, Layla, Travis, Drue, Daphne; sister, Sandy Knox and husband Dan of Moundsville, WV; brother, Jimmy Kirby and wife Sheila; mother, Karen Kirby; special friend, Salone of Peru, South America; and his canine companion, Ike the German Shepherd - Alaskan Malamute special blend.

Preceding Jeff in death are his parents.

Private family services will be held. Military Honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team. Interment will be in the Valley Brook Memorial Gardens of Moundsville, WV.