James Kirby Riffel IV

James Kirby Riffel, IV, known to most as Kirby, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and lifelong defender of the underdog, came to the close of a long and remarkable life on Friday, July 18, 2025 at his home in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Kirby was born September 16, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late James Kirby Riffel III and Dorothy Johnson Riffel. Kirby came of age during a pivotal moment in American history. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in the landmark class of 1958 – the year of the Little Rock Nine and the federal desegregation crisis that drew national attention. Kirby earned his degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1962. Following graduation he joined the United States Army, completing flight school before being reassigned during the Cuban Missile Crisis to serve as a tank captain-an early example of the calm resolve and adaptability that would define his throughout his life. He returned to Fayetteville in 1964 to begin law school and graduated in January 1967 from the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he was a top student and served on the Law Review. That same year, he accepted a position at the largest law firm in Memphis, Tennessee. It was there that he met Patty Ozier, the woman who would become his wife, partner, and best friend. They married in 1967. In 1971, Kirby and Patty moved to Pocahontas, Arkansas where Kirby joined a former law school classmate to open a law practice. For the next 50 years, he built a reputation across Arkansas as one of the state's most successful and principled DWI defense attorneys. He passionately represented clients who often had no one else to stand up for them-fighting for fairness, justice, and second chances. Ironically, for a man so accomplished in DWI defense, he very rarely had a drink himself. Kirby practiced law until his retirement in 2021 at the age of 81. He was not only a brilliant attorney, but also a mentor, counselor, and loyal friend. His work was rooted not in prestige, but in principle-and in his deeply held belief that ever person deserves to be heard and defended. Kirby and Patty raised three children in Pocahontas: Dottie Riffel Highfill (b. 1969), married to Wes Highfill, with children: Bennett (23), Clara (21), and Caden (18). James Kirby Riffel V (b. 1972), who has two sons: James Kirby Riffel VI (24) and Harrison Langston Riffel (22). Tom Riffel (b. 1983), married to Brittany Riffel, with their daughter, Navy Kate Riffel (3). Kirby was a deeply committed father and grandfather-thoughtful, steady, and wise. He was a voracious reader, a gifted writer, and a passionate student of history, especially the Civil War, which he knew in extraordinary detail. In 1977, Kirby and Patty won a state husband/wife mixed doubles tennis championship-just one example of the strong team they formed throughout their life together. For many years, he jogged 5-10 miles daily. He had a deep affection for animals, and was rarely without a dog or cat beside his favorite chair in the evening. He was a loyal fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Baltimore Orioles, and maintained lasting friendships with fellow DWI defense lawyers across the country. Kirby and Patty quietly extended their compassion far beyond their immediate circle. They helped a young girl in the Philippines complete her education through college. And in one particularly memorable story, Kirby offered his home-and his son's bedroom while he was away at college-to a client out on bail, Cappy Capplin, who later skipped town in a borrowed Cadillac but mailed Kirby a check months later. Above all, Kirby's legacy is one of kindness, courage, wit, and justice. He recently told his family that five people had told him he made a profound difference in their lives. But those who knew him best know the truth the number is far greater. He is survived by his loving wife Patty, their children, grandchildren, sister, Maryland (Gary) Fleming, and the countless lives he touched through quiet acts of goodness, deep wisdom, and unwavering principle. No services have been scheduled. Cremation has been chosen as the method of final disposition under direction of McNabb Funeral Home. To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Kirby Riffel, IV, please click here to visit our sympathy store.