James A Byrd was born on February 22, 1949, in Dallas, Texas. In September of that year, he moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he was raised and educated.
On February 4, 1959, he became a member of the Lord’s family, a faith he carried throughout his life.
At the age of 17, James enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1966. He was first assigned to the USS Rehoboth, an oceanography survey ship, and later served aboard the USS Tolovana, an oil tanker. His service included two Far East tours and eight months off the coast of Vietnam.
In January 1968, his ship was deployed to Korea in response to the USS Pueblo seizure. Shortly after, he witnessed the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War.
Following his return to the U.S., James underwent training in Security Intelligence and weapons in Coronado, California.
He was then deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he served in the Security Police Division at Tien Sha Peninsula, defending Camp Tien Sha and its surrounding areas.
For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He was honorably discharged on September 16, 1969, after serving three years, four months, and 14 days—nearly three years of which were overseas.
A proud veteran, James was actively involved in organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America.
In 1982, he founded J.A. Byrd Exterminating and Pest Control Company in Joplin, Missouri, operating it for 30+ years. His professionalism earned him contracts with major companies such as CFI Trucking, The Joplin Globe, and Leggett & Platt Inc.
On April 18, 2005, James married Gail (Blevins) Byrd in Miami, Oklahoma. In 2013, due to health concerns, they relocated to South Hutchinson, Kansas.
He is survived by his wife Gail; stepson Adam Fairbanks (Kari); stepdaughter Erin Beckman (Ben); and grandchildren Ethan, Evan, Hayley, Othel, Nikita, Timmy, and River. And many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Bigley and Talmadge Leon Byrd; stepfather Ralph Bigley; son James Richard Byrd; brother Tommy Leon Byrd; and sisters Frances Atkinson, Georgia Louise Fletchall, Henria McCoy, and Dorothy Phillips.
A devoted Christian, James was a faithful member of Better Life Ministries/Hutch.
A service will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Better Life Ministries/Hutch, 113 East 4th Street, Hutchinson, Kansas. Pastor Jon Wuthnow presiding.