James Ova Byrd

BYRD, James O., age 86, of Clayton, Ohio, passed away on December 4, 2012 in Dayton, Ohio, just 18 days shy of his 87th birthday. He was born in Dayton on December 22, 1925 to Arthur and Nora (Whiteman) Byrd. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kelly and sister, Dorothy Waterworth. He was also preceded by his wife of 54 years, Barbara (Millard) Byrd. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Hazelrigg; children, Babette (Jim) Runkle of Piqua, Les (Eileen), Claudia (Carl) Couch and Nancy Ellen (Tom) Ersted all of Eaton. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Jim graduated from Stiver's High School in 1944 and was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Air Force as a tailgunner. Following the service, he worked in the Dayton area as a machinist and tool and die maker. Jim was a lifelong member of the Dayton Masonic Temple, the NRA and after retiring he was an accomplished gun smith. Rev. Todd Mills officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.