James Murphy Irby, born May 16, 1937 in Aliceville, Alabama died Sept. 6 in Austin, Texas after a long battle with cancer. James is survived by his wife Jayne Irby; son Alan Irby of Down Home Ranch, Elgin, Texas; daughter Suzanne Irby Marchman, son-in-law Houston Marchman, and granddaughter Mackenzie Middlebrook of Austin; and brother John E. Irby of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
James came to Texas with his family in 1950 and attended Sunset High School in Dallas, graduating in 1955 with honors as a member of the ROTC and Jody Drill Team. He served in the Army with the 5th Calvary Division and was proud of his service to his country, serving as a member of the Military Police.
After more than 20 years operating a successful family restaurant (Irby’s Waffle Shop & Charcoal Steaks) in the Casa View area of Dallas, James left the restaurant business in 1986 and started a new career at age 50 as a Farmer’s insurance agent. He retired from that business in 2006 and moved to Austin, where at the age of 70, he took a position as an agent with Progressive Insurance. Despite battles with several types of cancer over the last 19 years, James was always positive and cheerful. He lived a full life because he chose to do so.
Visitation will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 411 Ranch Road 620 South in Lakeway, Texas on Friday, Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, September 11, 2010 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Austin.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Austin (Christopher’s House), 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759, the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 149100, Austin, Texas 78714 or Down Home Ranch, 20250 FM 619, Elgin, Texas 78621.