Background
Kirby, James Edmund was born on June 24, 1933 in Wheeler, Texas, United States. Son of James Edmund and Mamie (Helton) Kirby.
Kirby, James Edmund was born on June 24, 1933 in Wheeler, Texas, United States. Son of James Edmund and Mamie (Helton) Kirby.
Bachelor of Arts cum laude, McMurry College, 1954; Bachelor of Divinity, Perkins School Theology, 1957; School of Theology and Ministry, Perkins School Theology, 1959; Doctor of Philosophy, Drew U., 1963; postgraduate, Cambridge (England) University, 1957-1958.
Ordained to ministry, United Methodist Church, 1959; pastor, First Methodist Church, Roby, Texas, 1958-1959; pastor, Milford (Pennsylvania) Methodist Church, 1960-1961; assistant professor Bible,, McMurry College, Abilene, Texas, 1959-1960; assistant professor religion, Sweet Briar College, Virginia, 1963-1967; professor religion, head department religion, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 1967-1970; head, School Humanistic Studies, 1970-1976; dean, Professor Church History, School Theology, Drew U., Madison, New Jersey, 1976-1981; dean Perkins School Theology, Southern Methodist U., Dallas, 1981-1994; president ad interim, Southern Methodist U., Dallas, 1994-1995; professor church history, Southern Methodist U., Dallas, since 1995. Teaching assistant Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, New Jersey, 1960-1961. Consultant board missions United Methodist Church, South Africa, 1968.
Member American Academy Religion, Society Values in Higher Education, American Society Church History, Alpha Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa.
Married Patty Ray Boothe, July 22, 1955. Children: David Edmund, Patrick Boothe.