James F. Byrd

September 11, 2015

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James F. Byrd 78 of Frankfort passed away at 1:31 p.m. September 11, 2015 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.  He was born December 5, 1936 in Woodruff County, Arkansas to the late Alfred and Willa Mae (Surratt) Byrd.   He married Ruth C. Barnes on November 28, 1958 in Frankfort, Indiana and she survives.

Jim had lived in Clinton County since 1952 and was a 1955 graduate of Michigantown High School. He retired from Delco Electronics after 30 years on Sept. 11, 1987. A veteran of the US Navy, he served from November of 1958 to November of 1964 in Japan and Midway in the South Pacific. Mr. Byrd attends The Bible Holiness Church, Frankfort, IN. Jim was a true family man who loved his children and grandchildren greatly. He was known as the “Tomato Man” and was planning for next year’s season.

Visitation and Services

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 15th at the Goodwin Funeral Home. Friends may visit from Noon until the time of service on Tuesday. Burial will be in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Clinton County Humane Society.

Survived by:

Spouse: Ruth C. Byrd 1 Daughter: Tammy Kinsler of Frankfort 3 Sons: James Robert “Bob” Byrd of Monticello Billy Ray (Maribel) Byrd of Frankfort Tony A. (Grace Ann) Byrd of Frankfort 4 Brothers: Richard C. Byrd of Frankfort Thomas C. Byrd of Jasper, Indiana Edward J. Byrd of Oklahoma City, OK John A. Byrd of Searcy, AR. Also 24 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren survive.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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19 Condolences for “James F. Byrd”

  1. Kim Thompson September 12, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    Wonderful man, he will be sadly missed. Prayers for the family, may God get you through this very sad time.

    Reply
  2. Joseph Byrd Jr. September 12, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    So sorry for your loss, we will be praying for Aunt Ruth, Tammy, Bobby, Billy and Tony.

    Reply
  3. Darla & John Large September 12, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    Tammy, so sorry for you and your family for the loss of a husband, Dad and Grandfather. I feel the pain and hurt in your hearts. God Bless Each One Of You!! Prayers & Hugs!!
    Love You!!! John & Darla

    Reply
  4. Adam Kirby September 12, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Ruth, Tammy, Laci, and entire Family…We wanted to extend our condolences for the loss of your loved one. We know the sadness you must be feeling. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We are here, if you would need anything. Adam Kirby and Roger Turner

    Reply
  5. Donnie-Debbie September 12, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    We are so sorry for the Byrd family. Jim was such a nice caring man. We will all miss him greatly. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time. Love, Donnie and Debbie

    Reply
  6. Paul, Kim Barnes and family September 12, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    We will miss Jim terribly, he was not just an Uncle but a friend, we want the entire family to know we love you all dearly, and are praying for you all.

    Reply
  7. Connie Blubaugh September 13, 2015 at 8:46 am

    So sorry to hear Jim is gone, I know he is happy in Heaven. I worked with Jim and bought tomatoes from him and talked football. He always had a smith and a kind word. Prayers to his family.

    Reply
  8. Linda Shilkett Bowlin September 13, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    He will be missed. I loved his tomatoes!!

    Reply
  9. Chris Lesley September 13, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    I looked forward to seeing Jim every summer. He was a kind and gentle man with the best tomatoes around. He will truly be missed. Thoughts of peace for his family.

    Reply
  10. Lisa Boyd September 14, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Our deepest sympathies for you and your family Billy. You are in our thoughts.

    Reply
  11. Travis Johnson September 14, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Jody and want to express our condolences to Ruth and to the Byrd family. It was our privilege to be a part of the pastoral team at FBHC when Jim and Ruth came to Christ. What a change we saw in their lives! Jim was a friend and we will miss him. Our prayers are with the family in the days ahead.

    Reply
  12. Dixie Bosworth Huffer September 14, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    So sorry to lose a dear classmate from the Michigantown class of 1955. Happy memories of him attending our 60th class reunion at the olde school house in May this year. Glad Ramona and I had nice visit with him about 3 weeks ago. My husband and I are on vacation and am sad I will not be able to attend the funeral. Deepest sympathy to his beloved family.

    Reply
  13. Marsha September 14, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Truly sorry for such a great loss the family is enduring. Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers as you are making your way through this sadness. The passing of such a wonderful man, is so sad for us here. Yet it is a wonderful homecoming event for him as he will be greeted in Heaven with so much love. (Rest well our dear friend & enjoy all the amazing wonders of Heaven. You are among loved ones and friends, we shall always miss you and the rest of our loved ones in Heaven.)

    Reply
  14. Pat & Larry Newton September 15, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Jim was a 1955 Michigantown High School graduate. He recently attended his 60th class reunion and spoke of the influence of his English teacher, Mrs. Senger, who encouraged him to stay in school. A few years ago he was able to personally thank her. Due to her influence, he felt he was able to get a good job and provide a good education for his children. He was a good Christian man and our condolences to the family.

    Reply
  15. Trina & John Wampler September 15, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    So sorry for your loss, such a super guy, and loved his tomatoes every year. He will be sadly missed by everyone who enjoyed him and his tomatoes! God will be a gaining a heck of a gardener!! Godspeed James “Tomato Man”!

    Reply
  16. Jane Rodriguez September 15, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Sad to hear about Jim’s passing. He will be sadly missed.

    Reply
  17. Beverly Byrd September 17, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    The world will never be the same. Gods Speed Uncle Jim. Forever in my heart.
    Aunt Ruth, Bob, Bill, Tammy, and Tony, I will hold you in my prayers nightly. I Love You all. Beverly Byrd

    Reply
  18. Steven J. Timmons September 18, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    After numerous trips to buy tomatoes over the years, I had the pleasure this year to have extended conversations with Mr. Byrd. He was very interesting to listen to. I will miss that as much, as his knack of growing quality produce. So sorry, Rest in Peace Mr. Byrd.

    Reply
  19. Carolyn Cottrell September 19, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Jim passing, he was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. I loved talking to him. My condolences to Ruth, Tammy, Bobby, Billy, and Tony. I know your heart ache and pain. My thoughts and Prayers are with you that God gets you through these tough times.

    Reply

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