E. James "Jim" Byrd

January 1, 1946- April 8, 2025

On Tuesday April 8th, surrounded by family, Jim peacefully went home to the Lord.

He was born on New Years Day in Derby, CT. He lived in Ansonia until he was 4 and then spent 10 years in Philadelphia before returning to CT for High School. He graduated from Pine High School, a Mechanical Training Trade school, where he focused on HVAC. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and went active once he turned 18. He served on the U.S.S. Essex Aircraft Carrier. While in the reserves he routinely worked in Sardinia, Italy on a stationed submarine, and traveled to many other places around the world. Jim dedicated over 34 years to his country before retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

During his years in the Navy he earned his certification in HVAC which set him on his career path to work for Carrier Air Conditioning where he was employed for 20 years. When he wasn't wearing a Navy or work uniform, you could find Mr. Byrd in a Boy Scout uniform or a fishing vest. He was a cub scout leader for pack 68 in Farmington and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 24 in Berlin CT for 30 years. He spent many weekends on camping trips, jamborees all over the country, often in charge of outdoor cooking. He was fondly referred to as "DOC" -Dutch Oven Chef. Jim was chosen to serve in the Order of the Arrow and was a Wood Badge instructor. He was also a Certified Angling Instructor and taught both scouts and leaders, how to fish. Mr. Byrd was also the District Advancement Chair where he played an integral part in helping well over 100 young men earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest level distinguished service award given to adult leaders in Scouts.

Jim was also a proud Certificate Member and Regional Director of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society for over 35 years.

He is pre-deceased by his father Evans James Byrd Sr, his mother and step-father Clara and William Peagler, and an older sister Antoinette Collins. Additionally, two nieces Tracy Collins, Kimberly Collins Morton, a nephew Hugh Jeffrey Collins, and a great niece, Nova Collins.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Sandra Byrd of Kensington, his sister and brother-in-law Lenore and Leon Brown of Clinton, a son Matthew Byrd and his wife Patricia of Berlin, daughter Jessica Byrd-Painter and her husband Eric of Farmington, and many nieces and nephews.

His pride, joy, and purpose in his later years, were his four beloved grandchildren. Justin 17, Clara (Kye) 14, Nicholas 13, and Evan 11. He adored being Pop Pop and would do, quite literally, anything for them. A remarkable bond that the 4 of them will carry with them throughout their lives.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain, CT immediately followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm at Crossroads Church of God on Hudson St., Berlin.

Military Burial will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm at State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT.

Memorial donations may be made to Scouting America at Connecticut Rivers Council, 50 State House Square, Fifth Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 or a charity of the donor's choice.

We ask that if you were connected to our dad by way of a uniform, would you please wear it, as a way to honor his many years of service to others.