John Byron Kirby, known to all as Jack, Emeritus Professor of History at Denison University, died on November 5, 2025, at Middleton Senior Living in Granville, Ohio. He lived courageously with Alzheimer's disease for ten years. His decline was hastened by complications from surgery following a fall.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, on July 27, 1938, Jack graduated from Evanston Township High School and earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois. Though he loved each of these institutions, his sports allegiance remained firmly with the University of Michigan. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps.

Jack joined the Denison University Department of History in 1971, where he taught Recent American History, African American History, and later a course in Latin American History. His commitment to teaching often extended beyond the classroom. He was instrumental in planning and leading a student-faculty group to Nicaragua. A prolific writer and beloved advisor, Jack was honored with the Charles A. Brickman Award for Teaching Excellence upon his retirement in 1999. He contributed to the Granville History Project, Granville, Ohio: A Study in Continuity and Change, published 2004.

Jack dedicated his life to social justice. From the1960s and beyond, he was involved in civil rights movements, including Mississippi Summer. He was an active participant in Catholic Peace and Justice groups. In his retirement, he volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in Franklin County. He was a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, creating new meetings and sponsoring many throughout his sixty years of recovery. Jack was also known for his daily jogs on Village roads and his dedication to mowing his lawn on foot.

Most importantly, Jack was devoted to Sara, his wife of sixty-one years, and their four children: Julie Cole (Michael), Elisa O'Connor (Tony), Tia Kirby, and Peter Kirby (Max). He was a proud grandfather to Skye Gladden, Cayne Chapman, Nicholas Cole, Kytia Mosely, Kelsey Tarczon (Kevin), Neo Kirby, Patrick Cole, Ryan O'Connor, Dylan O'Connor, John Kirby, and Kara Kirby; and great-grandfather to Royale and Brindley.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Shoemaker Kirby Lenehan and John Byron Kirby, Sr.; his stepfather, John Lenehan; his sister, Judy Kirby Gustaveson; his sister-in-law, Sister Julie Burd Smith; his niece, Linda Gustaveson Wieland; his nephew, Andrew Gustaveson; and his great-grandson, King. He and his infectious laugh will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his entire family and by all who came to know him.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio, the Alzheimer's Association, or a cause of your choosing. A Mass celebrating Jack's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 22, 2025, at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Granville, followed by a reception in Enke Parish Hall to share memories of Jack's life.