Walter James Kirby

Walter J. Kirby of Chestertown, MD, died on January 19, 2014, at Chestertown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 80. He was born on March 13, 1933, in Drexel Hill, PA, the son of the late John F. and Frances James Kirby. Mr. Kirby graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in 1951, and later attended Georgia Tech, before enlisting in the United States Army. Mr. Kirby served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in January of 1956. He married Peggy Lois Strother in 1955; they were married for 30 years. Mr. Kirby worked as an Insurance Broker with FKM&M, now FAM&M, in Chestertown, MD. He also worked as a PGA golf professional in Jacksonville, FL, and Chester River Yacht and Country Club. After a stint as a golf professional, Mr. Kirby returned to Chestertown and went back into the insurance business working as a broker for Joseph M. George & Son (now Avon Dixon Insurance). He had served as the athletic director, as well as basketball and baseball coach for Sts. Peter and Paul High School in Easton, MD. In addition to that, he also served as coach of the golf team at Gunston Day School. He loved the game of golf, whether teaching or playing. Walter had a tip, an adjustment, or a wry comment for many who he taught or met. He and Elmer Horsey were instrumental in bringing football to Kent County. In 1970, they formed Kent Little League and provided instruction and organized competition to a generation of football players. Mr. Kirby was also an accomplished tennis player earlier in his life, winning many local and regional tournaments Walter was also an avid collector of Civil War Paintings and books, and authored Roll Call, the Civil War in Kent County. He was a member, past president, and regular fixture at Chester River Yacht and Country Club. In addition to his wife of 15 years, Nancy Browne Kirby, he is survived by sons, Keith Kirby and his wife Tracy of Chestertown, Brian Kirby and his wife Jewell of Chestertown, Jack Kirby and his wife Chris of Centreville; along with grandchildren, Kyle, Brad, Kolyn, Kreigh, Lauren, Patrick Kirby, and Brandon Wolfe; one son, the late Scott Kirby (1956) and a daughter the late Kim Kirby (1983), along with his siblings, John Kirby, James Kirby, and Natalie Kirby, predeceased him. A celebration of his life will be held at Chester River Yacht and Country Club on Thursday, January 23, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., where remembrances will be shared at 5:30 p.m.

Walter James Kirby

March 13, 1933 - January 19, 2014