Mr. John D. Irby, 72, of Gadsden, AL passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Sunrise – March 10, 1951 Sunset - September 16, 2023

HIS LIFE:
John Daniel Irby, affectionately known as “JD”, was born in Selma, Alabama, in 1951 to Maple Lee and
Perry Irby, who both preceded him in death.
In his youth John was known for his infectious sense of humor and charming personality. It was said
that they thought he was going to be preacher because he always had a “word” to share.
JD was educated in both the Selma and Gadsden school districts. He had a free spirit, which can equate
with his move to Detroit, Michigan as a teenager. In 1970, he began to start a family. He married Wanda
in 1971. In 1974, JD joined the United States Army as a Combat Engineer, serving during the Vietnam
War. After his enlistment ended, he returned to Detroit and began working for General Motors,
managing real estate properties, and learned how to build and restore homes.
In 1980, JD returned to Alabama and began his career as an Engineer with Gadsden Public Schools,
where he later retired. Throughout Alabama, JD was known for building and restoring homes through
skills that he learned in Detroit, as this was something he loved to do. This included electrical, plumbing,
drywall, masonry, painting, heating & cooling, flooring, and more.
Throughout his life, his love of sweet snacks, singing, watching sports, western movies, bowling,
listening to jazz music, telling the most amazing stories, and cooking was apparent.
JD’s family was the joy of his life, from his mother to his siblings to his children and grandchildren – far
and near. He was an admired man that was loved, is already missed, and will always be cherished. JD
was an amazing son, partner, brother, dad, uncle, and friend.
JD is proceeded in death by his parents Maple Lee and Perry Irby, his brother Robert Lee and daughter
Sonya Marie.
HIS LEGACY:
JD is survived by his siblings: Julia M. Pearsall (Richard)-South Carolina; Shirley Glasby (Robert) -
Alabama; Miller Whiteside (Jessie)-Alabama; Doris Irby- Williams-South Carolina; Perry Irby - Michigan;
and Benjamin Irby (Joyce)-Alabama. Wife: Wanda Irby-Georgia. Children: Katrina Davis Phillip)-
Alabama; Tim Irby-Michigan; Felicia Irby-Michigan; Thaddaeus Irby-Michigan; Billy Jackson (Shalanda)-
Alabama and Brock Jackson-Alabama. Grandchildren: Savion Brooks, Phillip Davis Jr., Lasonya Davis,
Amiya Jackson Irby, - Alabama; Chanell Irby, Timia Irby, Tim Irby Jr., Courtney Irby, Denisha Wilson,
Deanna Wilson, Destiny Moses, Demere Moses, Aydan Washington-Irby - Michigan.

Public viewing will be Saturday, September 30,2023 from 11 A.M. -2:00P.M.

Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at West Gadsden Funeral Home (Betty D. Robinson Chapel) Eulogist: Pastor Z. 'Andre Huff. Burial Lincoln Hills Memorial Garden.

We ask that you please keep this family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

Arrangements under the direction of West Gadsden Funeral Home. 256-549-0004

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