James Kenneth Byrd

He had many amazing adventures in life, and his greatest adventure has just begun. James Kenneth Byrd, 71, of Nacogdoches passed away after a long battle with liver cancer on Monday, January 29, 2018, at his home. He was born October 18, 1946, in Matador, Texas, to parents Jim Davis Byrd and Mildred Maurine (Skidmore) Byrd. James graduated Cum Laude from M.B. Smiley High School in Houston in 1965. He went on to attend Texas A&M University in College Station where he lettered on the Debate Squad. He then transferred to The University of Texas where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Economics in 1969. After college, James began his internship at Red River Army Depot where he was transferred to Zweibrücken, Germany in 1970. While in Germany, he met Marie-France Goubet of France and they were married in 1972. He returned to the States in 1975 to serve as the Management Officer in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1983; and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio as Deputy Director of Logistics in 1989. He retired in 1998. James was the type of person that enjoyed helping people when he could. He improved the lives of the people around him. He had a well-hidden sense of humor, and he enjoyed making subtle jokes and teasing with his family. He married his wife, Martha, in 2002, and she would say that he was a blessing from the beginning. After both being widowed, Martha and James were introduced through a mutual friend in 2001. They started emailing each other and hit it off right away, sharing many common interests such as travelling, reading, and movies. They were a perfect match. Their first date was a trip to Paris where they visited Mr. Byrd's relatives. They travelled throughout most of Europe, including Germany, England, France, and many river cruises. They also took cruises along the Atlantic Crossing and The Caribbean. Mr. Byrd was an avid gardener who loved his yard work and had a greenhouse full of flowers. He also enjoyed reading and collecting coins and stamps. He and Martha traveled together every year since their marriage in 2002. Paris was their favorite city. James was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Marie-France Goubet Byrd. He is survived by his wife of over 15 years, Martha Fisher Byrd of Nacogdoches. Also surviving are his three younger siblings: brother, Rick Byrd and wife Amy of Kingwood; sister, Betty Ward and husband Tommy of Conroe; and brother, Tim Byrd and wife Teena of Spring. He is additionally survived by step children, Todd Fisher and wife Noemi of Houston, Wendy Sepulvado and Gus Triana of Nacogdoches, and Lori Ivy and husband Adam of Thorndale; and grandchildren, Dawson Sepulvado, Trenton Sepulvado, Evan Ivy, Jake Ivy, Morgan Fisher, and Mackenzie Fisher. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches. A private inurnment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Mr. Byrd's name to SFA Gardens, James Byrd Memorial, P.O. Box 13000, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962. Online condolences may be left at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.