James M. Bird

June 14, 1917 - Sept. 23, 2010 Our hero, our father, James Milton Bird, passed to Heaven, as dawn broke over Newport Beach, Calif. on Thursday September 23, 2010. Dad, in a peaceful sleep, was embraced with tenderness as we said farewell, expressing our gratitude for his love, faithfulness, integrity, intelligence and sense of humor. Our mother, Winolee Bird, stood bravely with us as she said goodbye to her husband for the last time. Born in Wenatchee, Wash. to Leroy and Nellie Bird on Flag Day, June 14, 1917, He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Dad played basketball for the Cougars and was a member of Sigma Kai Fraternity. In 1943 dad contracted a mysterious virus and was admitted into the hospital where he was assigned a beautiful student nurse, Winolee Sauer, later to become his soul mate, the love of his life. The comedian he was, dad always liked to say, "Mom got me while I was flat on my back, defenseless". They were married on July 16, 1944 and celebrated sixty six wonderful years together this past July. Dad's first job after college was with Boeing in Seattle. After many successful years there, he was offered a position in southern California at Butler Publications a printer of commercial and military aircraft manuals. Eventually dad purchased Butler and as CEO led the company to international levels. The company became the largest user of IBM and Honeywell computers west of the Mississippi. Retirement found mom and dad dividing time between Newport Beach and Palm Desert. Dad was an accomplished golfer, as well as an expert boater. He loved taking his Bertram 38 "The Proud Bird," through the azure Pacific to Cherry Cove at Catalina Island. Dad is survived by Winolee; his four children, Patricia Faull (Buzz), Christie Bernal (Rafael), James Bird (Kelly) and Stephen Bird (Deidre); eight grand-children and eight great-grandchildren. Dad was a two time cancer survivor. Twenty years ago he was given six months to live, but cutting edge medical treatment, prayer and dad's amazing determination proved that prognosis wrong. For those who would like to make a donation, please remember the American Cancer Society. We love you dad and wish you smooth seas as you navigate the wondrous waters of Heaven.