MOUNT VERNON—Mayor Matthew Starr has directed that American and State flags located on city property be lowered to half mast on Thursday, April 11, 2024, and Friday, April 12, 2024, in memory of former Mount Vernon City Council Member Josh Kirby.

Kirby passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, of brain cancer.

He was 47 years old.

Josh, a native of Laconia, N.H., made Mount Vernon his home in 2004. He was elected as a council person representing the First Ward in 2021, replacing Samantha Scoles.

Josh took office on Jan. 1, 2022. A few months into his term, he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer but continued to attend council meetings to the best of his ability. Josh finally had to resign from his position on Oct. 20, 2022, for health reasons.

James Mahan was appointed as the First Ward Councilperson on November 4, 2022, and continues to serve in that elected position.

“It is with great sadness that I learned yesterday of the death of Josh Kirby. Josh fought a courageous battle against brain cancer for the past two years, and I have been praying for him and his family during this ordeal,” said Council President Bruce Hawkins.

“He was a real leader in this community, and during his short stint on city council, he left a message to the rest of the council about his caring attitude and love for this community. He was a great family member, businessman, and asset to this community,” Hawkins continued.

“The courage and determination that Josh exhibited after receiving his diagnosis were a lesson and inspiration to us all,” said Mayor Matthew Starr. “He has left us much too soon, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. He will truly be missed.”

Josh is survived by his wife, Missy, and their three sons, Wyatt, Logan and Tucker. The family is having a private graveside funeral with burial to follow and asks that people, in lieu of flowers, consider donating to www.stachestrong.org, a non-profit organization that supports brain cancer research.

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