James D Byrd Sr departed this life on December 27, 2021 after a sudden unknown catastrophic medical event. A bright star twinkled its eye and left us you in 1935. James you have left behind a beautiful family, friends and beautiful memories. A sorrow of incalculable proportions is upon those who were lucky enough to have known you. Secret tears will flow. Once they are gone, the sunshine of your memories will burn bright and clear. The time spent with you and what you have accomplished in your lifetime will live on forever. James D Byrd Sr was born on November 18, 1935 in Union, South Carolina to Buddy JD Sr. and Beulah Byrd. He moved to Washington D.C. where he met and married Bettie J Costly Byrd. James is survived by his loving and devoted wife Bettie, his son James Jr, his daughter Cenith, his granddaughter Phoenix, his brothers Berra, Larry, Buddy Jr. ,Russell, and Theodore, his two sisters Mae Francis and Marie, his nephews Charlie Jr. and Jody and many other nieces and nephews to numerous to mention and two sisters in law Sophia and Joyce. Your life ended so suddenly with no warning. Our hearts ache with sadness. How could we have known prior to you going on a routine trip to the store on Christmas Day we would never hear your voice again? There are and will always be phenomenon, events and things that we will never understand as to why they happened. In your own words "Everything happens for a reason." Though our hearts are longing for you, we know you are at a peaceful rest because you were called home by the Creator. James was the greatest man, father, teacher, husband, and friend to his family we will ever know. He devoted his life to us. He was always 'family first'. He always took great care of us and provided for us. James loved to play checkers with his granddaughter. She was very special to him. James also loved sports, especially the Washington Football team and pro wrestling. He loved to clean, work on and customize his and our vehicles. He loved GM vehicles especially Cadillacs and Pontiacs. James was an excellent cook and had a beef stew that was out of this world delicious. He liked action movies, tv programs about nature, wildlife, the Earth and how things worked. His two favorite tv programs were CHIPS and Knight Rider. James was a generous soul who gave knowledge, donated to charities and always sent money home to his mom. James played the saxophone and harmonica. He even played with the James Brown band in the early 1960's. He loved jazz, the blues, doo-wop and classic R&B. Words cannot express how much we do and will miss him. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 8 2022 at 1pm
Courtesy of Lewis Funeral Home Chapel.