James Elwyn Reese Irby

James Elwyn Reese Irby, 67, a prominent Florence attorney, passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family, on January 12, 2025, at Mitchell Hollingsworth Summit Rehab in Florence, Alabama. He was born on January 14, 1957 in Florence, Alabama to Elwyn Reese Irby and Mardia Butler Irby. 

A long-time resident of Florence, Mr. Irby dedicated his life to serving others and his community as an educator and as an attorney.  A 1975 graduate of Bradshaw High School, he held a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education (Music), and a Masters Endorsement in Administration from the University of North Alabama. He received a AA Certificate in Administration and Planning and an Educational Doctorate in Administration and Planning from the University of Alabama.  Driven by a lifelong desire to be an attorney, he received a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Huntingdon College. 

Mr. Irby served in many capacities in his professional life. He was director of bands for Sheffield City Schools, Assistant Principal of Austin High School in Decatur, Principal of Guntersville High School, Superintendent of Education for Roanoke City Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education for Athens City Board of Education.  After he retired from education, Mr. Irby practiced law with Sherrill, Batts & Shipman, L.L.C. in Athens (2003-2007); Potts & Young, Attorneys, L.L.P in Florence (2004-2007); and James Irby, P.C. of Florence (2007-2024).

Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and education law. Irby served as board attorney and consultant for several school boards in the Shoals area such as Lauderdale County, Colbert County, Sheffield City, and Tuscumbia City Schools. He was a member of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National College of DUI Defense. Clients frequently praised Irby for his professionalism, intelligence, and genuine concern for their well-being, often noting his ability to navigate complex legal challenges with ease.

He is survived by his spouse of 17 years, Margaret Lathem Irby; Stepson, Erwin Harper; Cousins, John Irby of Nashville, TN; Ann Neyland of Houston Texas; and Jeff Goudreau of Dallas, Texas.

He was a former member of Northwood Methodist and a current member of Grace Church in Florence.

The memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm on January 16, 2025 at Greenview Memorial Chapel with Doc Shell, Eddie Lawrence, and Apostle Wanda Fletcher officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment following the service at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield, Alabama.

Pallbearers are Jeff Goudreau, Ben Graves, Erwin Harper, John Irby, Pat Stegall, and John Thomas. Honorary Pall Bearers are Jerry Batts, Jon Beeson, Craig Blasingame, David Law, and Ray Quigley.

Flowers may be sent to Greenview Memorial Chapel.  Memorial donations may be sent to the James Irby Memorial Band Scholarship Fund at UNA Box 5113, Florence, Alabama 35632. Checks should be made to The UNA Foundation, and add James Irby Memorial Band Scholarship to the memo line.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Elwyn Reese Irby, please visit our floral store.