JAMES LEWIS BYRD was born to the late Geogia Lee Gibson Byrd and the late Leroy A. Byrd, on June 15, 1954, in Spartanburg, SC.   He was a 1972 graduate of Spartanburg High School.  James served in the US Army from 1975 until 1979 and received an honorable discharge.

James loved his children and grandchildren dearly.  He was the kind of person who enjoyed doing things for others and putting them before himself.  He was considered an "entertainer in his own rite" because he would make everyone around him smile.  Some of his favorite hobbies were cooking on the grill, detailing cars and shooting pool.  His favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys and his favorite color was Cowboys blue.  James was a member of the Golden Street Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his loving memories are:  sons, Carl (Juana) Byrd of Spartanburg, SC, Winfred Y. (Bernette) Hollis of Jacksonville, FL, Richard Rooks, Sr. of Spartanburg, SC, James Michael Byrd of Spartanburg, SC, Joseph W. (Lekeysha) Byrd of Spartanburg, SC, Rahshi Mayes of Spartanburg, SC and Alex Johnson of Spartanburg, SC; daughter, Jamica Mayes of Moore, SC; brothers, Calvin Leroy (Jackie) Byrd of Spartanburg, SC, Richard Lee (Pattie Ann) Byrd of Spartanburg and Dennis Nathaniel Byrd of Greenville, SC; sisters, Vergie M. (Douglas) Adams of Moore, SC and Tammy Tucker of Rockingham, NC; aunt, Martha Moss of Spartanburg, SC.  He also leaves behind 31 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; best friend, Carl West, Sr.; special cousins, Donald Gibson and Rhonda Harris; ex-wife, Linda Byrd; brothers-in-law, Jay Durrah, Leonard Brown and Robert Caldwell; sisters-in law, Martha Coleman, Mary Ann Durham, Virginia Brown, Viola Durrah, Dorothy Hawthorne, and Debra Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Predeceased family members, along with his parents, are:  his brother, Eugene Byrd, sister, Catherine Humphries and his son, Jammie Gilliam.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, James transitioned at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.  He answered the Master's call and joined Him in the Heavenly Kingdom.  He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

The family visitation address is 1103 Longstone Way, Spartanburg, SC  29302.  The hours for family visitation are 4:00pm - 9:00pm.