James Nicholas Irby was born in Kenbridge, Virginia, to Thomas H. Irby and Nanny M. Irby on May 21st, 1921. He was one of three children born of this union. God called him home on June 5th, 2022. James began his formal education in Virginia. In 1940, he moved to Manhattan, New York, and joined Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Harlem. He was a lifelong member and served on the Steward Board, Usher Board., Class Leader, Men's Chorus and Men's Day Captain. Jim, as his friends and coworkers called him, was employed by Enterprise Surgical Supplies until he was inducted into the Army in 1943. In 1946, Jim received an Honorable Discharge with Distinction. A quiet and unassuming man, he did not brag about his service or the accolades he'd received. Following his 1946 discharge, James returned to his job at Enterprise Surgical Supply. He would work there faithfully for over 30 years. Sarah Lewis would enter Jim's life when a member of his church and Sarah's good friend, Laura Jacobs, introduced them. The rest is history. Sarah and Jim were married 70-plus years before James' passing. Their union resulted in three children: Linda Kathleen, Mary Ann, and James Jr. (also known as Nicki). Beloved in his East Harlem community, James was often described as "the nicest guy you'll ever meet.". When he went for his daily walks, he was greeted by Street vendors, shopkeepers, and neighbors. He was a familiar face around the neighborhood. He would make sure to put a neatly folded dollar bill in his pocket just in case someone asked for a handout. James quietly attended classes on various topics. He was interested in self-improvement throughout his life. His nieces and nephews referred to him as Uncle Jimmy. His grands and great-grands would call him Papo. He was a kind man. He was a gentleman. When someone would ask him how you are doing, he'd simply say, "I'm still on this side of the river." Today, we celebrate his safe passage to the other side of that River. We celebrate a man of God, of faith, a hero who served his country, a husband and father, a grand and great-grandfather, and a friend. James N. Irby leaves to remember a life well-lived: his wife, Sarah; three children: Linda, Mary Ann, and James Jr. (Elaine); grandchildren, Todd Irby-Ranniar, Scott Irby-Ranniar, Linda Gamble (partner Marvin Prather), Richard (Angelina), Brandon Gamble, Trista Cardona (Christian), and Taryn Irby; great-grandchildren, Joshua Prather, Jayden Prather, Tenielle Gamble, Landon Gamble, Rasario Cardona, and Reyelle Cardona; and a host of other family and friends. He loved his community of East Harlem. It is a neighborhood that provided James with wonderful memories and friendships. It is the place where Jim and Sarah raised their children. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him. Good-bye, kind Sir. Rest well.