James Byrd Jr. Obituary
The family of James Byrd Jr. (Dayton, Ohio) announces his passing on June 26, 2026. James, born on June 30, 1955, is remembered by family, friends, and others who shared time and connection. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of James Byrd Jr. to show support.
He was predeceased by: his parents, James Sr. Byrd and Ernestine V. Byrd; his grandparents, Ernest and Eunice Lester; and his grandchildren, Joel Jarrell Byrd and Jamison Byrd.
He is survived by: his wife Ruth; his brothers, Ray Laverne Byrd of Dayton and Douglas Eugene Byrd of Washington, D. C.; his 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.; his grandchildren, Sha'Bre Byrd-Barton, Derrick Barton, Shamaria Barton, James IV, Joseph, Josiah, Amyah, Serenity, Indya, Caleb, Hazel, Khaleesi and Amir; his aunt Abigail Parker; his godson Robert Hunter; and his cousin Sheryl Knight. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews.
