James Edward Kerby

On Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, James Edward Kerby, loving husband of Dana and father of Janel, passed away at the age of 79.

 Jim was born January 9th, 1946 in Lubbock, Texas to Deward Henry and Odell Gladys (Jenkins) Kerby. He and Dana grew up in Plains, Texas, graduating from Plains High School where he enjoyed playing football. On May 6, 1967, he married Dana Marie Bryson while on leave in El Paso. Jim served in the Army during the Viet Nam War. In civilian life he worked for several oil and gas companies in Amarillo as an accountant and auditor before joining federal service to serve with the Social Security Administration. Jim graduated in 1980 from West Texas State University with his Bachelor of Business Administration and was a “bean counter” most of his life. Jim and Dana celebrated over 58 years of marriage and have one daughter Janel Arin Kerby Holt of Weatherford, wife of Douglas Alan Holt. Jr. 

 Jim retired in 2005 and he and Dana moved from Canyon, Texas, to the Cleburne area in 2011. The Kerbys were active in the First Baptist Church of Canyon and have been active members in Cleburne of Field Street Baptist Church, Crossroads Church of Cleburne, and most recently Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Jim was a gifted woodworker and enjoyed making things with his hands for his friends and family. He loved history, particularly of the old West, and spent many hours “arrowhead hunting” with his family in the red dirt of the plowed cotton fields around Plains. He always had a pocketful of interesting rocks found while doing chores around the house or exercising. Jim enjoyed exercising and being outside. He was a runner and put thousands of miles on his treadmills, bikes, and pavements all across the Texas panhandle. Over the years Jim faced many complications of his military service in Viet Nam. As we know from 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 & 2 Timothy 4:7, he is now completely healed and well, having fought the good fight and finished the race. 

 Jim was preceded in death by his father, D.H., and his mother, Odell. He is survived by his wife Dana, his daughter Janel and son-in-law, Doug, his brother Cleve Kerby and sister-in-law Sharon MacGregor Kerby, nieces April Kerby Phelps and Dana Lynn Bryson, nephews Chris Kerby and Jon Mac Bryson, and several cousins. 

 A graveside service will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 10th.