Dr. James Steven “Jim” Kirby, 90, died on August 19, 2026. A memorial service will be held at Lost Creek United Methodist Church of Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Saturday, October 3rd, at 10:30 a.m.

James Steven, son of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” & Amy “Loreen” (Shumate) Kirby, was born December 24, 1935, at their farm home near Perkins, Oklahoma. Jim spent his early years in the Perkins-Stillwater area and graduated from Perkins High School in 1953. He played cornet in the band and continued to play for enjoyment the rest of his life. He raised sheep and was also active in Future Farmers of America. As a senior, Jim placed as High Individual in livestock judging at the national contest in Denver, where his FFA judging team was champion as well.

Jim continued his education at Oklahoma A&M College, where he studied Agronomy and actively participated in both animal and crop judging. He joined the Air Force ROTC in 1956 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. The highlight of Jim’s college years was being introduced to his future wife, Barbara Ruth Sharkey, at a Valentine’s Day party; they were married on the 17th of August in 1958.

After completing a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1959, Jim was stationed at the Air Force Base in Ozona, Texas, and was later transferred to the base in Thule, Greenland. Upon return to civilian life, Jim completed his doctoral degree at Iowa State University, where he conducted research on sorghum, and then began working for the Ag Alumni Seed Program in Indiana, where he researched several varieties of corn. During these early years of marriage, the couple welcomed daughters, Dena, Kenda, Karen, and Connie.

Jim and Barbara returned home to Oklahoma in1969 when Jim took a job in the Agronomy Department at OSU. They established KirbyKreek Farm between Perkins and Stillwater in 1971. Jim raised cattle, sheep, dogs, donkeys, rabbits, fish…and more. He was fondly known as a “modern-day Noah” by Barb and the girls and had to have at least one pair of each type of animal. Jim thoroughly enjoyed supporting his daughters and other students with their 4-H and FFA livestock projects. Additionally, Jim relished friendly competition and his own participation in Payne County Sheep Producers and Cattlemen’s events, pasture tours, and all things agriculture.

During Jim’s tenure at OSU, he taught courses in crop genetics, mentored graduate students from across the globe, and conducted research to improve over 15 different types of crops including soybeans, mung beans, and chickpeas; in later years, his research focus was primarily peanuts. With the broad goal of addressing world hunger, Jim’s expertise led to invitations from Kenya, Ethiopia, and a two-year assignment in Morocco where he collaborated with and supported local agricultural officials in crop development. Among other achievements and accolades, he was honored as a “Master Agronomist” by OSU and retired in 1999.

Together, Jim and Barbara shared a love of gardening and were members of several local gardening organizations. Both loved traveling, exploring new places, and learning about other cultures. They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Perkins for over 50 years, where each served in several leadership roles as well as participated in the chancel and bell choirs. Jim also served on the Board of Education for Perkins-Tryon Schools. In recent years, he participated in a wide variety of activities in the Primrose Retirement Community; chair volleyball, Wii bowling, and the music programs were among his favorites. Serving as a Primrose Ambassador, Jim especially liked welcoming and getting acquainted with new residents.

Jim was fun-loving and friendly, and it seemed like he knew at least one person almost everywhere he went. Upon hearing of his passing, a family friend said, “I will miss his firm handshake, a hand on your shoulder, big grin, and the time taken to chat and catch up!” He was a bit of a prankster and could usually find a joke in the recesses of his mind to use for any given occasion. He tried to be a good neighbor: ethical, honest, and helpful, using John Wesley’s maxim of “Do all the good you can.” as his guide.

Jim was preceded in death by Barbara, his wife of 63 years; his parents; and four siblings: Adella Marie Blumer, Kathryn “Lodiene” Nickels, Betty Louvenia Holinsworth, and Benjamin “Doyle” Kirby.

He is survived by his brother, Reverend Tom (Nelda) Kirby of Stillwater and his daughters: Dena (Don) Jaeger of Hochatown, Kenda Kirby of Logan County, Karen (Rick) Rogers of Fairfax, and Connie (Bryan) Lane of Spring Hill, TN. He is also survived by his grandsons: Kirby Jaeger of Oklahoma City, Christopher (Bekki) Jaeger of Oklahoma City, John Lane of Murfreesboro, TN, and Brent Lane of Huntsville, AL. He is survived by special friend, Martha Kenney of Stillwater, and several nieces and nephews as well.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff members at Primrose Retirement Community and the Stillwater Medical Community, as well as others who cared for Jim during times of need.

Contributions in memory of Jim may be sent to the Perkins-Tryon Former Students & Teachers Association (PTFSTA) Scholarship Fund at PO Box 784, Perkins, OK 74059, or to the Stillwater Medical Foundation at PO Box 2408, Stillwater, OK 74076-2408.