After Kirby’s funeral at Southminster Presbyterian Church, a long procession of fire department vehicles went south on Main Street, then drove under a huge American flag suspended between two ladder trucks near Centerville Cemetery.
Kirby, 37, served with the Washington Twp. fire department for 18 years, sometimes as a volunteer and sometimes as a part-time firefighter/emergency medical technician. Gaul said Kirby was president of the Washington Twp. Firefighters Association after being elected by his fellow members. He was also a regional sales manager for Lion Apparel, which sells firefighting gear.
Kirby had been ill, but the death was unexpected, and the Montgomery County coroner has not yet ruled on a cause of death.
Kirby also coached youth football and wrestling in Centerville the past five years, as his son Josh played on those teams.
He also had served on the board of the Wee Elks football program.
Kirk Kiger, who coached football with Kirby the past three years, said the Wee Elks and the Centerville-Washington Park District hope to create a memorial to Kirby at Schoolhouse Park.
“He was just an outstanding young man, and way too young to be where he is,” Kiger said, adding Kirby had complained of a bad cold days before his death. “He just devoted his time.”
Kirby is survived by his wife Debby and children Josh and Piper. Friends have set up the Jason Kirby Family Fund, which is accepting donations through Lion Apparel at 6450 Poe Ave., Suite 300, Dayton OH 45414.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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