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Stuart Irby Obituary
Jackson
Stuart M. Irby, Sr. died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in Jackson. Mr. Irby was 58 years old and a lifelong resident of Jackson. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Stuart C. Irby, Jr. and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Stuart C. Irby, Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A Lyons, all of Jackson.
He is survived by his son, Stuart M. Irby, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Little Rock, AR; Miss Natalie R. Irby of Los Angeles, CA and Master Graham R. Irby of Jackson. Mr. Irby is also survived by his grandson, Master Jacob W. Irby of Little Rock, AR. Mr. Irby is also survived by his sister, Miss Margaret M. Irby of New York City; brothers, Charles L. Irby, Sr. (Kate) of Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Irby (Diane) of Little Rock, AR and Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Irby (Rachael) of Tryon, NC. He is also survived by his nephews: Charles L. Irby, Jr. of Berkley, CA; Andrew A. Irby of Ashland, OR.; Joseph A. Irby, Jr., John T. Irby, Joshua P. Irby, Josiah D. Irby, Joel I. Irby, and one niece, Lori E. Irby. His first cousins are Thomas M. Milam of Madison, Elizabeth B. Schaffenburg, Paul Brewer, Chet Brewer and Lyons Brewer.
Mr. Irby was born April 7, 1953 in Jackson. He was a 1971 graduate of Murrah High School and in 1975 was awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SMU in Dallas, TX. He never stopped learning.
His first business venture was for Irby Construction Company and he was assigned to Indonesia as part of the management team to complete three projects on the island of Java. He transferred to The Stuart C. Irby Co. and served in several departments and was elected President in 1984. He served in this capacity until 2005 when the company was sold to Sonepar USA. Under his leadership, the Company grew dramatically and became the 15th largest electrical distributor in the US in sales. The company's greatest asset was, and still is, its employees and its reputation for integrity and service. He served on The Board of the National Association of Electrical Distributors.
Mr. Irby's greatest education interest was Belhaven University. Roger Parrott said "I treasure the 10 years I worked with Stuart as the Chairman of our Board of Trustees - I often miss the vibrancy of those discussions we had before his accident. He was gifted with the ability to insightfully breakdown a problem to its core, and out of that challenge, envision a future that always deserves to capture God's best for us. The bookends of his life were quality and service, and he could never imagine one without the other because they were the unshakable values that Christ modeled for us. Stuart's sharp mind, and his passionate heart blended together to create his incredibly generosity spirit, from which thousands of Belhaven University students lives have been transformed."
Mr. Irby left a legacy of business acumen, love of his Heavenly Father, love and devotion of his family and many friends. He was a lifelong committed servant to Belhaven University, numerous charitable endeavors and the Arts. His many Community, Civic and Professional accomplishments include:
Former Deacon, Television Director, Committee Member of First Presbyterian Church; Former Board Member and Chairman of Jackson Prep; Former President of Downtown Kiwanis Club; Former President of The Jackson Symphony Orchestra Association; President of The Elizabeth M. Irby Foundation; YMCA Trustee; Board Member and Treasurer of the Arts Alliance; Chairman of the Board, Capital Campaign, Development Committee of Belhaven College; Executive Board Member, Trainer, Fundraiser for Boy Scouts of America; Board Member for Crossroads Film Society; Board Member for Foundation for Women's Education; Fundraiser for Friends of the Jackson Zoo; Chairman and Board Member for Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA); Board Member, National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED); Board Member for Greater Jackson Foundation; Chairman, Board of Directors, Jackson Preparatory School Foundation; Instructor, Fundraiser, Junior Achievement of Mississippi; Chairman, Honorary Chairman, Board Member, Kindness Foundation; President, Board Member, Kiwanis Club of Downtown Jackson; Chairman of the Alumni Association Board of Leadership Jackson; Board of Directors, Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce; President, Foundation Board Member of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Association; and Board Member, Allocations, Campaign Section Chairman, United Way of the Capital Area.
Mr. Irby was also an accomplished pilot, musician and photographer. His many hobbies and interests also included motorcycles, scuba diving, tennis, art collecting, travel, and sailing.
The family prefers memorials, in lieu of flowers, to be made to Belhaven University, 1500 Peachtree Street, Jackson, MS 39202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Irby
February 4, 2012
What a brilliant mind SMI had... A beautiful person, complex, but kind... Very kind... Rest in God's loving arms Stuart... dwf.
January 28, 2012
May God bless the Irby family. Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thomas Rhaly
Robin Edwards
January 28, 2012
To Stuart's family and close friends, Raynor and I are so sorry for your loss. He was a great person, a kind person, and will be missed.
Renee Parham
January 27, 2012
Gone but will never be forgotten!
I will never forget the first time I meet Stuart M. he came to me and asked in (Stuart's voice) How long have you been working here? I had only been employed with the Irby's for a week. I knew then that I was working for a great company, with much respect for its employees. Not to mention my first Irby meeting started with a prayer, I was inspired and touched by the Irby traditions.
Thanks Stuart M. for reading the Christmas story at my first Irby Christmas party. Thanks Stuart M. for tickets to attend The Jackson Symphony.
Thanks Stuart M. for tickets to Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Thanks Stuart M. for allowing me too attended many special events in Jackson.
Thanks Irby family for building a great Company full of strength and integrity. With Deepest Sympathy and Respect for the entire Irby Family.
Glenn Sykora
January 26, 2012
Stuart,
I will always remember, as a new employee 15 years ago, how the Irby culture made me immediately feel like a family member. Your influence and leadership will always be felt in this company and in the Jackson community where you unselfishly shared your time and money. I enjoyed the time spent with you on Race for Success trips and how you made everyone your friend. I pray for your family and will always cherish your memory.
January 25, 2012
Thank you Stuart M. for giving me a chance when I was getting so many doors closed in my face. If it was not for you putting trust in me I don't know where I would be now. Almost 27 years with the Irby Company I have cherisheded this great opportunity to be a part of the company that was under your care. Stuart M. because of you and your family believing in me I have accomplish so much. My prayers are that God let you rest in his arms. Thank you for your faith,Thank you for your love and all the things that you did to make all your employees realize that you cared. To learn of your death broke my heart. Stuart I pray that we will see each other again.
Love forever Buster
Kathryn Wortman
January 25, 2012
I realize how hard it is to lose a loved one and nothing I say can ease that pain. Know Stuart is at peace resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father. Stuart did so many wonderful, giving acts in his life time, he will surely be missed. Know that you all are in my prayers as you go forward with your lives and finding a way to cope with the lost of a father, a brother, a friend, an employer, an aqantance, a business partner....the lists goes on and on Stuart was all of these and more.
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Denise Jordan Denson
January 25, 2012
To all of Stuart's friends and family. May God wrap his loving and comforting arms around each of you in this time of horrific sorry and give you peace and serenity. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Bonita Tucker-Clark
January 24, 2012
The SAD News Of Stuarts' Passing Really Breaks My Heart, Many Prayers Going Up TO ALL Stuarts Family! He Is Greatly Missed. May Heavenly Father Be With Each Of You, God Bless Always.. Bonita (Tucker) Clark && Family
Eddie Tolbert
January 24, 2012
You were a man that believed in his company and his employees. One of the first companies that I worked for that the employee was more than a number! You will be miss and I hope, as I like to consider myself part of the Irby family, we will continue to live up to and hold true to those values you worked so hard to maintain. God Bless! (Eddie Tolbert, Drive Specialist 15 years in the Irby Family)
January 24, 2012
May God bring peace to the Irby family. Stuart was a complex yet a kind and generous man. He will be missed by many and forgotten by none. The Irby Family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss. In His Love, Regina Terry
Hazel Brewer
January 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Irby Family. Asking God to help you thru this sadness by remembering the love and happiness you shared.
Working at Irby for so many years, knew first hand how involved Stuart M was with helping others.Thankful for being allowed to work at Irby. May God give peace and comfort to the family.
January 24, 2012
An unbelievable ending to an incredible person.You will live your life in the hearts that KNEW YOU BEST.Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for your company over 29 years ago.Rest in the peace of Jesus....The Ultimate Peace. Marinella
Bo Tolleson
January 24, 2012
I will forever be grateful to have known Mr. Irby and his family. We will miss you immensely sir and will have you and your family in our prayers.
Tami Rigby
January 24, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jeff Hutton
January 23, 2012
I will always remember Stuart M. as a caring and understanding man. You will be missed. May God bless all of his family and know that he is watching over you in your time of need.
Donald Olinger
January 22, 2012
Grief is always so hard, but our special memories of you, your commitment to our business partnership, your frienship, and your support of your community help us cope through these very tough times. Remembering you, your family, and your loved ones today and always.
January 21, 2012
My prayers are with the Irby family. Such a great loss to the community and to his small son.For all they have gone thru over the past 2years may they find comfort in knowing that our God will carry them thru. God Bless you all!
Roberta Byrd~Ridgeland Ms
Wayne & Ruthie Farish
January 21, 2012
Thank you for everything over the years Stuart, and may you rest in peace....May God be with your family....
Billie Jones
January 21, 2012
May god be with all the family at this time. I will miss him and thought alot of Stuart. I know he is at peace and God will be with him.
Juanita McBride-McLain
January 21, 2012
May you remember the good times and forget the bad! May God hold each of your in his arms! Stuart was a great boss and great person. Remember that.
Sandra
January 20, 2012
John 14
oscar long
January 20, 2012
My god bless you all
oscar long
January 20, 2012
My god bless the irby familly in this time of need. From the loñg familly
Jas Clark
January 20, 2012
I am praying for all. These words are simple and yet they are powerful. You have memories stamped in your hearts forever. Be sure to share those good memories and in time it will help ease your pain for such a loss. God Bless All The Friends and Family...Jas Clark
Kay Chandler
January 20, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Trust in God.
Mark H Wyatt
January 20, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Franchiska Fisher
January 20, 2012
Such a huge loss for Jackson MS and a family.Many thoughts and Prayers to the Irby family.
Robert Ainsworth
January 20, 2012
Everyone here at the Texarkana, TX Branch of Stuart Irby is deeply saddened and he will be missed,
Thomas & Barbara Hardy
January 20, 2012
On behalf of the Thomas Hardy family,we send our sincere condolences to the family of Stuart Irby. May angels accompany you on this journey and watch over those you left behind.
January 20, 2012
With Deepest Sympathy. Paige Moses Long and Family
Dr. J. Thomas Whetstone
January 20, 2012
I fondly recall Stuart as a compatriot in our Evangelism Explosion mission trip to Ukraine and Poland in 1996. Christ honored us with great success in training pastors. As Chairman of Belhaven College's Board, he would listen and respond to faculty concerns, a rare virtue worthy of commendation.
January 20, 2012
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
The Jimmy McKay Family
Peggy Maddox
January 20, 2012
The members of the Mississippi Council of the Blind Jackson Chapter would like toexpress our condolences to the family in the loss of Mr. Irby. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Peggy Maddox, Mississippi Council of the Blind Jackson Chapter
Burnette and Lucinda Robinson
January 20, 2012
We pray that God gives comfort to the Irby family during this sad time. Memories of the good times always outweigh the bad. We remember Stuart M. as a giving, loving, and caring person and that is how we want to remember him. This is such a wonderful family and yes, they cared about the employees.
Be encouraged and keep the faith. We all have mountains to climb, but God gives us that strength to make it to the other side.
Melody Chapa
January 20, 2012
WE'RE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE.
Sandra Waller Marrar
January 20, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Irby family at the difficult time. May God give you peace and comfort.
God bless.
Patricia Henry
January 20, 2012
May God comfort each of you,Your in my thoughts and prayers,Patricia Henry-Amory,Ms
Janis Boersma
January 20, 2012
Here's to all the times we laughed. Janis Boersma
Slade and Susan Exley
January 20, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We hope you have peace for your family service and please know that we will continue to pray for you in the days ahead. God Bless.
January 19, 2012
God bless this family. May God grant you peace, understanding and healing. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Tyree and Shay Bradley
January 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike Wigton
January 19, 2012
I am truly humbled to have been selected by Stuart and Charles to lead their company. It is the finest place/company I have ever worked. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Irby family for your loss. I assure you we will continue to do everything we can to make sure your legacy lives on for many years. May God Bless You!
Joe and Diane, we are praying for the Lord's Glorious Light to Shine in your hearts as you reflect of the life of your beloved Stuart.
Robert & Carolyn Smith
January 19, 2012
January 19, 2012
May God give PEACE to Stuart and the IRBY family. The Irby family are in our thoughts and Prayers. Stuart will be missed. GOD BLESS!!
~~Hank and Cathy Owens~~
Wayne and Lynda Mckinney
January 19, 2012
Our thougts and prayers are with the family of Mr Irby
Trisha Smith
January 19, 2012
Such a tragic ending to Stuart here on earth. May God Bless his family entirely including his employees and friends. RIP
Trisha Smith - Santa Rosa Beach, FL
January 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Stuarts family and friends.
William (Bill) and Terri (Howerton) Dice
January 19, 2012
We will miss you very much.
Our prayers are with your family.
From S E Green-JordanWaters
Antionette 'Toni' Watson
January 19, 2012
My thoughts are with your family in this time of bereavement. Special prayers for Stuart, Liz and Master Jacob, I love you dearly. Remember earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot healed. May God Bless and Keep Each of You.
Jennings Conlee
January 19, 2012
Thanks for being my friend through the good and not so times, will always remember your solid honest handshake. May God bless you Sir!
Jennings Conlee Sr. Mobile,Ala.
Carla Thompson
January 19, 2012
To the Irby family, you are in my prayers. To Stuart, I will listen to Minnie Riperton tomorrow and think of all the wonderful things you did for so many...
La La La La La
Howard Ballou
January 19, 2012
I am thankful my wife and I experienced the joy of friendship with Stuart. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Irby family.
-Howard and Deborah Ballou
Rose Roberts
January 19, 2012
God bless you Mr. Irby. You hve accomplished lot in you life, now it is time to rest in peace. My husband worked for Irby Construction for numerous year and it is with sadness we send our condolences. Stanley and Rose Roberts (Arizona)
Monica Pruitt
January 19, 2012
I worked for Stuart for 4 years in the late 90's. Those were the best years of my life and I have always cherished those years. May you find the peace that you deserve. You will be greatly missed and the family are in our prayers.
Rest in peace Stuart M. Irby.
Robert pEDEN
January 19, 2012
To the Irby family our thoughts and prayers are with you
Robert Peden
SCI Co Mccomb REtired
Carol Burger
January 19, 2012
May your family be blessed and enriched by the good in Stuart's life. He will be missed by all of us whose life was touched by his friendship and generosity. Rest in peace my friend.
Ruth Allen
January 19, 2012
To:Stuart Jr., Charles, Joe and Richard. We are so sorry for the untimely death of Stuart. We remember the happy times. May God hold you up at this time
With Love Ruth, Doug, David, Marc and Missie Allen. The Tom Allen Family
Beth Gilmore
January 19, 2012
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Irby's passing. May you rest in peace and may family find peace. Lets all remember the wonderful Stuart Irby that was loved and respected by employees, peers and the state of Mississippi
Milton Pardee
January 19, 2012
To the family of Stuart Irby: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you in this time of need. God bless you and with all love from your Irby Family.
Milton (Tex) Pardee and Family
Irby Construction Employee
Jeremiah Robinson
January 19, 2012
May the Lord bless and keep Mr. Irby's children, grandchildren, siblings and the rest of his family in your time of sorrow. Be lifted up. He was a great and caring man our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
January 19, 2012
Prayers are going up for all of the Irby Family and Stuart's friends. God bless you all during this time.
Cathy Chancellor
January 19, 2012
God bless the Irby family at this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
James Washington
January 19, 2012
Our prayers are with you as you receive the grace of God in your loss. Joe & Diane Irby we love you. Elder James & Cheryl Washington, Word of Outreach Christian Academy.
January 19, 2012
God bless the Irby family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you. Friends in Little Rock
Lisa Key
January 19, 2012
May God bless and comfort Mr. Irby's family. I did not know Mr. Irby, but a life has ended too early and whether we know the person or not, I think many of us can relate to the pain of such a loss. My heart goes out to all of his children, especially little Graham.
Lord you care so much
For the tears of a hurting child
Who has felt the grief of tragedy
Now no longer wears a smile
Unable to clearly express
How much he's hurting inside
Not fully understanding the pain
Nor knowing the reasons ‘why'
He wants so much to reach out
To someone who will listen
Someone that can hold him close
And respond with godly wisdom
For he just needs a grown up
To know what he's going through
But often we don't realize his grief
Because we are hurting too
Let him know you care Lord
And will be there when we're not
The emptiness he feels within
May be filled with you oh God
May he know you as a father
And know you're by his side
To come and wipe his tears away
When alone he silently cries
Hold him in your arms Lord
So he will be at peace
Allow us all to give him time
In dealing with his grief
For tears may last all night
But joy comes in the morning
So let him grieve throughout the night
For a new day will be dawning.
Don Jones
January 19, 2012
Mr. Irby blessed us all with a life well-lived. His labor and his passion were not in vain, and he leaves a legacy of love and learning. May flights of angels speed him to his reward, and may he rest in peace in the Sure and Certain Hope of the Resurrection.
Becka Wigton
January 19, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Irby family...relatives and employees. May God continue to give you comfort in the days ahead.
Laura P'Pool Dietrich
January 19, 2012
As a member of one of the old Irby Const. crews, I knew Stuart C. Sr. and Jr. They are a wonderful family and did so much good for the crews and their families. So sorry to hear of sorrow you all share and pray for you all. Laura P'Pool Dietrich, Cadiz, Ky.
Becki & Richard Pickett
January 19, 2012
Countless Jacksonians know well and will always remember the unlimited generosity of the entire Irby family. Their constant support of so many charities and their love for the arts has been an inspiration to all and a gift to the city. Our prayers are with them now as they grieve and heal by God's grace from the loss of Stuart.
Jacqueline Root
January 19, 2012
Hoping that the prayers of all who love the Irby family may lift you up and grant you some peace. With deepest condolences. Jacqueline Root
Tungala Hardy
January 19, 2012
I will continue to keep the Irby Family in my thoughts and prayers.
Gwenita Harris
January 19, 2012
What can I say? Stuart was the first love of my life and after the loss of my husband we were staying in touch. I miss him already and I just want the family to know how special he was to me and my prayers are with you. I know how difficult this is for all of you. He is at peace now.
Susie Jenkins
January 19, 2012
My prayers are that God will envelope the whole family in his arms of love and comfort you during your loss. God bless you all.
Boyd Shaw
January 19, 2012
I'll remember the brief visit Stuart and I had as he was out for a walk and I was putting some trash outside. He greeted me and said "this is a flashback to old times". I enjoyed the brief visit. Sybil and Boyd Shaw
Ginger Mattiace
January 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 19, 2012
May you find comfort from the God of All Comfort.
Philip & Kim Irby
January 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I will always remember Stuart's generosity and wisdom during my time working for the Irby Companies. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sandy beard
January 19, 2012
Bless you all. Keep your memories alive and keep god close. He will guide you in your difficult times. May God bless all of the family.
Kris hobbs
January 19, 2012
Such a tragic loss for his children. May God bless each of you. He will give you comfort. God bless you and the family.
Jay Wiener
January 19, 2012
The Irby family has my deepest sympathy.
Phil Gibson
January 18, 2012
You will be missed. Fly high Stuart M.
Susan Clements
January 18, 2012
God Bless and Comfort your family through this time of grief. My prayers and thoughts will be with you. RIP Stuart...
Louie W. Odom
January 18, 2012
My deepest sympathy and respect.
Margaret Toler
January 18, 2012
My prayers are with your family at this time as I remember speaking with Stuart when we met by chance at the shopping center a few weeks ago. I will always remember him as the friend he was to so many of the Irby employees.
Sally Strohman
January 18, 2012
The Irby family will be in my prayers. May God comfort you all during this difficult time in your lives.
Sally Strohman
Amelia Reagan-Wright
January 18, 2012
May God bless your family, as many are praying for them now and for days to come. Stuart, rest in peace.
Tabbie Hassell
January 18, 2012
May you find peace. You will be missed. God Bless!!!
Joanna Prince
January 18, 2012
The Irby family is in our thoughts and prayers.
In His Love,
Joanna & John Prince
Ellen Bear
January 18, 2012
You will be missed. May God bless and keep you. Thank you.
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
January 18, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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