James "Jim" Carlton Kirby

July 31, 1934 - January 13, 2021

Jim was received into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 13, 2021. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 31, 1934, to Ralph Kirby and Minnie Matthews Kirby. Jim was a quiet man of few words; however, he was a visionary and master builder. He worked as a general contractor his entire life. He was known for his attention to detail and providing excellent craftsmanship in everything that he constructed. Jim could visualize homesites and plans prior to breaking ground. He found satisfaction in working with his hands and admiring his finished product. Although he spent his days building homes, his lifelong love was his wife of 66 years Betty Campbell Kirby. Together, they built a successful business. They were inseparable. One was never far from the other. Jim was a great provider, and she took care of “her Jimmy” at all times. Jim shared his love for Jesus with everyone that he met. He served as a Sunday School teacher and on the building and grounds committee at Whiting Avenue Baptist Church. He found the worth in every man that he met. He loved people and wanted to see that they were loved in return. Often, he provided others with food, shelter, or a job. Everyone who worked for Jim, he considered as family. He never said an angry word to anyone or about anyone. He truly served his Lord on a daily basis. Jim and Betty were blessed with two sons: Ken (Lisa) and David. Jim taught his sons how to succeed through hard work and dedication in the construction industry. However, he was not all work. He loved to spend time with his boys by building go-carts and racing them in the backyard. Jim was a Golden Gloves boxer and raised his sons to never back down from a challenge. He taught them ways to negotiate without fear or intimidation. His sons respected and viewed him as a positive role model during times of difficulty, as well as, times of good. In addition to his sons, he was blessed with two grandsons Jacob (Carrie) and Chris (Cartier). Furthermore, he was blessed with 3 great-grandchildren Levi, Luke, and Lily. With each additional generation, he found time to spend with them and pass down his wisdom and love. Jim will be laid to rest at the First Baptist Church of Huntersville. The services will be held at James Funeral Home on Friday, January 15th at 2:00. Interment will take place after the service at the First Baptist Church of Huntersville. At the family’s request, we are asking that attendees practice social distancing and wearing masks upon entering the building. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be streamed online at: https://www.facebook.com/JamesFuneralHome/ In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family.