SHORT NOTICE HONOR MISSION
Veteran James "P38" Irby, 98, US Air Force, Retired, WWII Veteran, of Killeen, TX
The family of Veteran James Irby has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Committal Service of their Loved One.
James entered the Army Air Corps, then transitioned to the Air Force. He was a WWII flyboy, and retired from the Air Force. He was also a membe of the Masonic Lodge for seventy years, and a well loved member of American Legion Post 223, and a the Legion Riders of 223. His entire obituary may be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/killeen-tx/james-irby-11288862
Date: Tue, 23 May 23
Staging Time: 1205
Staging Location: The cul-de-sac between the Walk of Heroes and the Memorial Shelter at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 SH 195, Killeen, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/CenTexVetsCeme)
Setup & Briefing: Upon clearance and at the direction of the Ride Captain, we will move to the shelter, set up the flags, be briefed and await arrival of the procession.
WX: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1300. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Notes:
1. Be at staging ON TIME.
2. Hydrate well prior, bring water for yourself and a buddy and dress with consideration of the weather conditions.
Please join us in honoring this Retired US Air Force World War II Veteran for his selfless service to our Great Nation.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
I want to offer my heartfelt thanks for the Riders who stood for Jim Irby today. He was Army Air Corps in WWII flying P-51 Mustangs but his favorite and longest assignment was flying P-38 Lightenings. I first met him in 1976 when we started working together as Air Traffic Controllers on West Fort Hood. One day he asked me where I was from and we discovered we shared the same home town. In fact, he had graduated high school with my mother and uncle in about 1942.
Jim wasn't family but he was the last living connection to the family of my youth. I always shared a special bond with him and he loved to tell stories of my family's shenanigans in high school. I will miss those stories and his friendship.
God Bless you all for honoring his memory today.
