James E. Kirby, Jr., 58, of Hamden, formerly of Trumbull, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven with his family by his side. He was the husband of Linda B. Kirby. James was born in Smithtown, New York on May 31, 1956; son of James E. Kirby, Sr. and Beatrice Kirby. He was an Associate Director of Admissions for Quinnipiac University for the past thirty years; was on the executive board for Trumbull Little League and was a former assistant coach for the Quinnipiac University Baseball team. Father of Allison L. Kirby and James M. Kirby. Brother of Kelley (Edward) Bowman. Also survived by many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Family and friends may call at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm. NEW YORK ARRANGEMENTS; Visiting Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm at the Fives-Smithtown Funeral Home, 31 Landing Avenue, Smithtown, New York; funeral mass on Thursday, St. Joseph Church, Kings Park, New York at 10:30 am. Interment to follow in Smithtown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 300 Research Pkwy., Suite 310, Meriden, CT 06450
Linda and family,
Susan and I were very sad to hear of Jim's passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I've known him and worked with him for most of his time at QU. He helped countless young people and was loved by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
My heart goes out to the entire Kirby family. Jim was the friendliest and most mild mannered man you could ever meet. The world lost a great man. Rest well Jim. Until we meet again.
jim was one of the main reasons why I came back to Quinnipiac year after year I graduated because he treated you with respect and always with a smile and made you glad you came back to visit. jim interviewed me back in 1985, my junior year in high school that was one of the main reasons i attended. he remembers you and made u feel like a million dollars. I will always remember his talks and reminiscing about Long Island with him. rest in peace my friend and thank you for being part of my life
A wonderful bright light has gone out on our campus and the world.
With deepest sympathy to the entire Kirby family.
It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to our beloved friend and colleague, Jim. Jim was like a second father to me when I was at QU, frequently checking in to see how I'm doing. This was typical Jim, always there for you when you needed him with a smile and good conversation. Warm, kind, and friendly are just a few words that describe what a great person the world has lost. My heart aches for his family and friends, and his presence will forever be missed. I consider myself lucky to have known such a wonderful person. RIP <3
I am so very sad to hear of Jim's loss. May his family be comforted with God's peace and love.
Mary Helming, Professor of Nursing, Quinnipiac University
This is horrible news. RIP.
After I accepted my position at QU, Jim was the very first person I met outside of my department. I knew from meeting him that it was a wonderful place to work. My prayers go out to his family and to those at QU who had the opportunity to work side by side with him for so many years.
Jim was one of the nicest guys at QU. He will be missed by the entire community. May he rest in peace with the angels.
My deepest sympathies to the Kirby family. Simply put, Jim was one of a kind–the BEST kind!
We have lost A VERY special person, but many years of happy memories will always be cherished by all those who knew and loved him, especially at Q.U. Rest in peace Jim, and may God give strength to your family.
Jim,
Without you, Quinnipiac would not be home. Thank you for being an amazing mentor and part of my family. You are a true role model. Our condolences go out to your whole family.
Bobcats for life,
Taylor Payne, John "The Hat Man" Payne, and Linda Payne
I wish you and family God's Blessings during your time of bereavement.
Men like Jim are very rare. His kindness, sense of humor and work ethic were unsurpassed. We are all better for having shared the admissions office with him.
Jim was a class act and an all around nice guy. He will be greatly missed.
I look back and realize now that Jim was one of the best people I have ever known. I am heartbroken that he is gone but nonetheless grateful that he was part of my life and the lives of my wife and children. Though we lost contact over the years I will never forget him.
Jim was such a kind, humble, and giving man! He was always there to lend a helping hand during our Trumbull Little League baseball days with his and my son (Matthew)…I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kirby family…
Dear Linda,
I was Jim's and your families dental hygienist for many years in the Hamden dental office. Please know how I looked forward to treating Jim and you and the kids. What a great family! Though I haven't seen you in a few years, I remember the love you all shared.
I am holding your family in my prayers. You have my deepest sympathy.
I'm so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. I remember going to the beach with Hunter, Jimmy, and some other friends of theirs many years ago. I had a big crush on Jimmy back then! May your memories comfort you all and may he rest in peace. Amen.