Richard Jack Kirby

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Born February 4, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Departed June 19, 2024 in Palm Bay, Florida

Richard Jack Kirby

Age 93, Melbourne, FL

Jack Kirby died peacefully on June 19 at age 93 following a brief illness. Jack was born on February 4, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended South High School where he played basketball, baseball, and tennis before graduating in 1949. He then obtained degrees from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1951, and from the University of Michigan in 1954 (Industrial Engineering). From 1954 to 1956 Jack served in the U.S. Army, working primarily with the Nike missile system. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed by General Motors and Whirlpool Corporation in St. Joseph, MI.

Jack married Noreen Rettig on June 21, 1958. In 1962 they moved to Ann Arbor where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan.

In 1964 Jack and Noreen moved south to Melbourne Beach, Florida, where Jack worked for Harris Corporation as an Engineer and Program Manager until his retirement in 1991.

After their retirement Jack and Noreen traveled the continental U.S. by camping trailer, took many cruises, and enjoyed visiting family and friends. During this time they served as volunteers at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.

Jack leaves behind Noreen, his wife of 66 years, and a brother, David Kirby of Texas. He is also survived by children Jill Mimbs (Steven) and Bruce Kirby (Gretchen), and grandchildren Kyle Mimbs (Shiyáázh), Kasey Estes (Landon), and Sam and Nora Kirby. In addition, he was blessed with great-grandchildren Brae Hargett and Kai Hofmann, and Everest and Rainier Estes.

At the appropriate time, Jack and Noreen will be interred in the Memorial Garden of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Melbourne Beach.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Melbourne Beach Community Center at 509 Ocean Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s memory to the William Childs Hospice House through the website