James Louis Kirby

James Louis Kirby, or "Kirby" as he is known, went to be with the Lord at 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the V.A. Medical Center in Fayetteville, AR. He was born November 25, 1925 in Vaughn, Arkansas to Marshall and Della Kirby. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Norman Lynn Kirby of Newport News, Virginia. He is preceded in death by Evalyn, his wife of 70 years, and their daughter, Connie Kirby Bissell. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Elder of San Antonio, Texas; his daughter, Kate Kirby Wallis, her husband, Rod, granddaughter, Kinley Morgan and two grand cats, all of Cave Springs, Ark. Kirby has many nieces, nephews and extended kin he considered close friends. Kirby served in the US Navy from December 10, 1943 to April 7, 1946. He volunteered after Pearl Harbor, and was Fire Controlman Third Class stationed on submarine bases in the Pacific theater. After he was discharged from the Navy, he returned home to Gravette. He saw the pretty girl he sat by in school, and pestered her for a date. Her memory of him was as the biggest pest in the world who would knock her books in the floor during study hall. Evalyn realized Louis would do anything to win her attention and she acquiesced. Six weeks later, they were married on June 8, 1946. Their union lasted 70 years until Evalyn passed away in 2016. Long time resident of Gravette, Kirby was the post master there for 34 years before he started operating a used car lot. He was active in the business (and giving people the business) until age 92. Kirby was a volunteer fireman, lifetime member of the American Legion, past Master Mason of Bethel Lodge 232 in Gravette. He was active in Beacon Baptist Church in Gravette, and regularly attended the "liar's club" at Teasley's drug store. John 13:34 Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 2 p.m. both at Beacon Baptist Church, 126 Main Street, Gravette, Ark. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Gravette, Ark. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 1211, Bentonville, Ark. 72712 or Beacon Baptist Church, 126 Main Street, Gravette, Ark. 72736. Arrangements are provided by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.