Joshua James Kirby

It is with profound sorrow that we announce that Joshua James Kirby, 47, died on April 9th, 2024, at home surrounded by the comfort and love of his wife, sons, and family after two years of a heroic battle with a rare brain cancer. What happened to Josh is tragic, but he is not a tragedy.

Josh was born on March 31st, 1977, in Laconia, NH, to Richard and Patricia (Main) Kirby. He grew up in Thornton, NH, and attended a private Christian school, where he met his wife, Melissa Beaudin. They dated in high school and beyond, eventually marrying on December 22, 1998, in Tilton, NH. They moved to Pensacola, FL, so that Josh could finish his college education. In 2001, Josh graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Criminal Justice. Josh and Missy moved back to New Hampshire, where Josh started working in the insurance industry. They welcomed two sons, Wyatt (21) and Logan (20), during this time.

In September 2004, the insurance industry brought his family to Mount Vernon, OH. Two years later, they welcomed their third son, Tucker (17), into the world. Josh was a captive agent for American National until 2012, when he purchased Kahrl and Company Insurance. He loved owning his business and worked hard to grow it over the next several years, acquiring additional agencies in Sunbury, Mount Gilead, and Delaware.

Since 2004, Josh was very involved in the Mount Vernon community. He purchased properties, held board member positions, coached soccer and basketball teams, made multiple contributions, and most recently, served as a city councilman.

Josh loved good food, golf, sports, cooking, traveling, hanging out with friends, cheering on his boys at their games, and spending time with his wife and sons. Josh also loved to sing. He sang in church and at weddings and funerals. His wife and boys cherish the multiple concerts they attended and the jam sessions on the road, filled with Josh singing at the top of his lungs! Outgoing, driven, confident, intelligent, genuine, compassionate, loyal, forgiving, and downright funny, Josh collected friends everywhere he went. When Josh showed his love, you felt and wanted to be around it. He was everything a friend should be. We will forever treasure his love and friendship.

Josh was an incredible husband and father who loved his wife and three sons fiercely. He led them well. He taught them to love God, love and be loyal to each other above anyone else, believe in themselves, work hard, never give up, and have fun! His two most used phrases were: “I love you” and “I am so proud of you.” He made them better human beings and will forever be a handprint on their hearts. He is their hero.

Josh loved Jesus. He claimed Him as his Savior at a young age. From the moment of his diagnosis, Josh proclaimed, “God is good,” and never wavered. It is with great joy that we are confident he is in heaven worshipping his King, body and mind completely healed. He is not gone, just out of sight.

We are so grateful for the excellent staff at Gentiva Hospice and our fantastic team of caregivers who loved and cared for Josh and our family so very well.

We will forever love and miss our husband, father, son, brother, and friend who suffered and loved so well.
There will be a private graveside funeral with burial to follow.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to https://www.stachestrong.org/ (https://www.stachestrong.org/), a well-known non-profit organization that supports brain cancer research.