Nicholas Kirby

Nicholas Cobb Kirby, 23, passed away on November 27, 2019.  Born in Jacksonville on April 26, 1996, he grew up in Ortega, graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School, and then went on to earn an Associate of Art degree from Florida State College of Jacksonville.

An athlete, actor, and builder, Nick worked for a short period of time as a substitute teacher in the Duval County Public Schools, where children often referred to him as “Mr. Thor.”  He later enjoyed working for Best Buy’s Geek Squad, where he was proud to be an agent.  A gifted musician who played piano and guitar, Nick frequently passed time playing, singing, and writing songs, one which premiered at the Florida Folk Festival as a surprise for his wife’s birthday.  He cared a great deal about animals, and he spent time rescuing and rehoming stray dogs and cats – a gentle giant of a man who could delicately hold, bottle feed and comfort a fragile, disabled kitten.  He enjoyed riding his Triumph Street Triple, working on his Volvo, playing video games with friends, and spending time with his family and his beloved Husky, Sundance.  He also loved performing with local community theatres, and building sets for his wife’s school productions. Favorite pastimes included cooking, renovating his home with his wife, traveling in the summers, and taking frequent trips to New York to enjoy shows.

Nick is survived by his wife, Shirley Kirby; mother, Susan Bednar Kirby; father, John Lucius Kirby Jr.; stepmother, Suzanne Kirby; brother, John Lucius Kirby III; grandmother, Virginia Kirby; aunt Kevyn Kello (Frank); uncles Robbie and Jamie Bednar; and loving family members Sam Fisher (Morgan), Nick Sacks, Katie Sacks, and Janis Berger.

An open-house Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Florida Yacht Club.  Memorial donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216, or jaxhumane.org.