James K. Irving DVM

Dr. James K. “Doc” Irving passed away peacefully at The Villa at Winston Court in Marshall, Michigan on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a lengthy illness. 

Jim was born in Escanaba, Michigan on January 4, 1946 to Wallace and Mabel (Villemure) Irving. He attended the Escanaba Area Public Schools and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1964. Jim studied one year at Bay de Noc Community College before transferring to Michigan State University where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. After graduating from MSU in 1969, he joined the practice at Marshall Veterinary Hospital for 14 years and then bought the Oakdale Clinic in Homer, Michigan where he specialized in horses and large animals. He was well known as an excellent horse Vet and horsemen came to his practice from all over the region. Doc was very dedicated to his practice and spent many long nights on farm calls treating sick animals. 

Jim was very dedicated to his beloved children, Steven (Tonya) Irving of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kevin Irving of Marshall, Michigan; grandchildren, Hailey and William; step-grandchildren, Brandon Hall, Alex Auman, Taylor Auman, and Matthew Auman. He is also survived by his sisters Carol Roberts of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Judy (Howard) Haulotte of Gladstone, Michigan.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Lois, the mother of his children Karen Irving, brother-in-law Donald Roberts, and niece Kim Roberts. 

Burial will take place at a later date at Escanaba Township Cemetery with Skradski Family Funeral Homes assisting. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa and the Hospice workers who cared for him there. Most of all we want to thank Cindy and Curt Francisco of Burlington, Michigan for the love, kindness, friendship, and help they have given him for many, many years. 

Jim was a kind, humorous, and generous man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed. 
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.