James Byrd Jr., affectionately known as "Little Bro" and "Jimmy," was born on June 30, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, the eldest son of James Sr. and Ernestine V. Byrd. James peacefully transitioned on June 26, 2026, at 10:41 p.m., surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of Dayton.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Ernestine V. Byrd; his grandparents, Ernest and Eunice Lester; and his grandchildren, Joel Jarrell Byrd and Jamison Byrd (sons of James III & Vadia).

James leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years, Ruth; two brothers, Ray Laverne Byrd of Dayton, and Douglas Eugene Byrd of Washington, D.C.; and his six beloved children: Shawnita; James Byrd III (Vadia) of Virginia; Joseph (Kreshalia) of Dallas, Texas; Joshua; Jason of Dayton, Ohio; and Sheridan Michelle Byrd of Columbus, Ohio. He also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren: Sha'Bre Byrd-Barton, Derrick Barton, Shamaria Barton, James IV, Joseph, Josiah, Amyah, Serenity, Indya, Caleb, Hazel, Khaleesi, and Amir; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and one aunt, Abigail Parker. He also held a special place in his heart for his godson, Robert Hunter, special cousin, Sheryl Knight.

James was a proud employee of the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center, Emery Worldwide, and General Motors for many years. He was a 1975 graduate of Nettie Lee Roth High School.

James accepted the Lord at the early age of 19. He was first a member of Prayer Garden
COGIC and later became a charter member of Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ, where he faithfully served for 45 years. Along with his father-in-law, Superintendent Emeritus Norman McDuffie Jr., James was instrumental in naming Faith Deliverance COGIC in 1982.

He served in many roles throughout his church tenure, including Men's Class Sunday School teacher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Y.P.W.W. teacher, choir member, where he led songs such as "Give It to Me"by Rev. James Cleveland and later "What Is This" by Walter Hawkins, and as Assistant Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years.

James was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was deeply loved by many. He will be greatly missed.

James was blessed with several dedicated and thoughtful caregivers, including Maggie, Tiffany, and Shannon, as well as the nurses at Ohio Hospice of Dayton.

Special Thanks to Minister Rodney Leigh, Alvin Dennis and Sammy Myrick, his fellow deacons and longtime friends, and Sheryl Carter, fellow Sunday School Superintendent

(Rev 21:4) "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."