Charles T. "Jocko" Kirby

Charles T. “Jocko” Kirby, 93 of Sioux City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from complications of a stroke he suffered on October 5, 2021. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (New Life Lutheran Church) located at 315 Hamilton Blvd. in Sioux City. Pastor John Jorgensen will officiate. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Due to the Covid virus, the family is requiring face masks to be worn. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Charles “Jocko” Kirby was born March 14, 1928 in Sioux City, IA to Ray and Chloe (Boulden) Kirby and was the sixth of seven children born to this union. Charles worked at Young’s Dairy Farm as a teenager. In 10^th grade, he dropped out of high school to help his father farm and then enlisted in the Navy in 1946. He served for two years, taking part in the occupation of Japan after World War II. He returned home after being honorably discharged in 1948 and met his future wife, Berneeta Roman. They were married in 1949 and to this union, two children were born: Jeffrey and Carla.

Charles worked for Sioux City Excavating for a few years before starting his 42 year career with the Sioux City Water Department as a machine operator and maintenance III worker. During this time, he also did finish work and painting for his brother-in-law, Charles Jewell.

Charles was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 60 years, a blood donor for 20 years, and a 32^nd Degree Mason for 52 years with the Landmark Lodge, located in Sioux City.

When the movie “Flight 232” was being produced, Jock tried out for the part of an extra and made the cut. His scene made the movie, so he was able to proudly say he made a movie with James Coburn and “John Boy” from the Waltons. He then was affectionately known as The Stunt Man.

At age 58, he went back to school, earned his GED, and at the time, was the oldest student that had ever enrolled and graduated from the program offered at WIT college.

His passion was playing fast pitch softball at Gilman Terrace and Hubbard Park. His main position was pitcher, but he was used in the outfield too because of his rocket arm. There was never a team he played for that didn’t use him for clean-up in the batting order, as well. He was named as fast pitch all-star pitcher in Sioux City in 1958, 1959, and 1960.

Charles was also an avid golfer, and was fortunate enough to achieve a hole-in-one at Sun Valley Golf Course when he was in his seventies. In June of this year, he played his last round of golf in Minneapolis at the age of 93, with his son, grandson, and great-grandson.

Two years ago, Charles was taken to the commissioning of the U.S.S. Sioux City by his son and grandson. This, by far, was his proudest moment.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Berneeta Kirby of Sioux City; his children: Jeffrey Kirby (Terry) of Bloomington, MN, and Carla Brown of Sioux City; four grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Rosemary Roman of Sioux City; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Sammy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; five sisters; his in-laws; and a son-in-law, Roger Brown.

“Hey Dad…you had a great run, didn’t you! Just wanted to thank you for all your love, your loyalty, and your many words of wisdom throughout the years. Hope you know how many peoples’ lives you’ve influenced in such a positive way here on Earth! You’re a hard act to follow! We love you and miss you, always!”