Jefferson “Jeff” D. Kirby III, scholar, athlete, lawyer, dancer, lover, and champion of his family and many friends, passed away on Dec. 10 at his home in Pawleys Island, S.C. surrounded by those who loved and adored him.
Jeff was born in Shubuta, Miss. to Lois Edwards and Jefferson Davis Kirby II on Aug. 28, 1940. His family later moved to Hattiesburg, Miss. where he played baseball, football, and golf. At Hattiesburg High School he was class president, president of the student council, captain of the debate team, and crazy about girls. At the age of 15, he served as a Page in the U. S. Senate and during that trip to Washington, D.C., he first saw his beloved University of Virginia.
Jeff graduated from The University Phi Beta Kappa in three years. While there, he played on the varsity golf team, served in the ROTC, and because women had not yet been admitted to The University, he made many road trips to the surrounding girls’ schools.
Jeff also received his Juris Doctor from The University and then went on to earn a Master of Law from Georgetown University.
He was a Captain in the U.S. Army, served in the Military Police in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Jeff practiced law in Atlanta, Ga. for over 30 years and taught trial practice at Emory University Law School. His passion and talent took him to courtrooms throughout the U.S. He was proud to be selected a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an organization whose membership is limited to only those who have mastered the art of advocacy, and whose professional careers have demonstrated the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and civility. No more than one percent of lawyers in any state are admitted to the college.
Jeff’s proudest accomplishment was his two sons, J. Davis Kirby IV and Adam Edwards Kirby.
Life was as wonderful to Jeff as he was to those he knew and loved. As a devoted golfer, he enjoyed his time on the links, and when his game was off, you saw his temper. Unfortunately, he never found that perfect putter, despite buying dozens. Jeff loved travelling to Europe, took voice and French lessons, loved to dance and to gamble wherever he could find a casino. Later in life he found that he also loved spending summers on the coast of Maine with his cherished wife, where he made many enduring friends.
The unforgettable Jefferson Davis Kirby III will be forever loved and missed.
Jeff leaves behind his beloved sons of whom he was so proud, J. Davis Kirby IV and Adam Edwards Kirby; loving son-in-law, Lee Bryan; daughter-in-law, Lindsey Hart Kirby; amazing grandchildren, Abel Edwards Kirby and Eli Alexander Kirby, loving brother and sister, William Kirby and Lee Kirby Cook; sister-in-law, Brenda Kirby; first wife and mother of his children, Nancy Bass Kirby; and his wife of 30 years who loved him more than air, Carol Eller Kirby. All who were lucky enough to know Jeff know he was one-of a kind and have their “Jeff” stories.
The remarkable Father Wil Keith will conduct Jeff’s funeral at 2 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 13 at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Church in Pawleys Island, S.C. A big-time party will be held this summer on Long Cove Point in Maine to celebrate the life of this amazing man.
For those who wish to do so, in lieu of flowers, Jeff, his wife, and family request that a donation be made to one of three charities: K9s on the Frontline – a Maine charity which provides service dogs to veterans free of charge, Doctors Without Borders, or the Mississippi Food Network.
