Obituary of James Elmer Kilby

James Elmer Kilby passed away on September 16, 2013. He was born May 6, 1925 in Olympia, Washington to Elmer and Christine Kilby. He leaves his wife of 66 years, George Ann (Nancy) Wingfield Kilby, daughter Linda Kilby, sons Harold Kilby (Janie), Don Kilby, Brett Kilby Sr., Brett Kilby Jr., eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The Kilby family moved to Camp Verde from Oregon in 1944. Jim enlisted in the Marines at age 19 and served in WWII, taking part in the infamous invasion of Okinawa where he was wounded. He served again in the Korean conflict as an instructor stationed at Camp Pendelton, CA. Jim was a general contractor in the Verde Valley for over 30 years and built many beautiful buildings. He was especially well known for designing and building stone fireplaces. He and his sons worked together in Kilby and Sons Construction Co. After retiring from contracting, Jim was not one to be idle and was always eager to learn new things. At age 70 he became a real estate salesman working with son Don who is owner/broker of Kilby Realty. Harold still builds for Kilby and Sons. Jim loved to prospect, hunt, fish, and write poetry and song lyrics. He had a deep and abiding faith and served as an elder of the Verde Valley Church of Christ for 50 years. His commitment to his Lord was daily and it guided his life. Jim Kilby was a good and honorable man and much loved by his family, friends and community.