James Thomas Byrd

James Thomas Byrd was born on August 7, 1949 to the late Pete and Hettie Byrd in DeRidder, LA. He died at the age of 72 at St. Patrick’s Hospital on May 12, 2022. James was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and enjoy nature every chance he got. James was a born-again believer who trusted Jesus Christ and his finished work on Calvary, which brought him into a right standing with God. James was most passionate about his salvation, his relationship with God, and his calling to pastor. He was a bivocational pastor for approximately thirty years, but most recently was a member of Fort Hope Church in Leesville, LA, where Brother Keary Jordan was his pastor. He retired from Civil Service at Fort Polk, but continued working as a wastewater operator for a contractor. After retiring from the government, James drove a bus for the Vernon Parish School Board and worked for the Rosepine Police Department. James loved being active and enjoyed being around those he cherished most, which was family. Loving people and encouraging people in the Lord were his most selfless traits.

Those left to cherish his memory are his family, Claudette Byrd, Chrisie Byrd Gill & Brandon, Tony Byrd & Rhonda; brother, Donald Lee James of Nederland, TX; sister, Shelby Delores Monk of Texas City, TX; uncle, Ellis Gene Nash and Sissy; aunt, Mary Lou Barringer; grandchildren, T.J. Aby and Amanda, Justin Aby and Raeven, Dylan Byrd, Cullen Gill, Brantsen Gill; great grandchildren, Abram, Rosalie, Evie and one on the way and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Hettie Byrd and a great grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pine Ridge Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 15, 2022, also at Pine Ridge Baptist Church. Brother Brandon Gill, Brother Keary Jordan, and Tony Byrd will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be T.J. Aby, Justin Aby, Dylan Byrd, Brantsen Gill, James Thomas, and Steve Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers will be Cullen Gill and Donald James. Burial will follow at Rosepine Cemetery in Rosepine, LA.