James Edward Bird

Mr. James Edward Bird, age 86, of Elkville; passed away at 10:25 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, June 20, 2022, at the St. Johns V.F.W. Post # 513 of DuQuoin, Illinois.

 Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

James was born on August 2, 1935, in Galatia, Illinois, the son of Owen Rodney Bird and Ethel (Guye) Bird. He married the former Lorine Faye Williams and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2012.

He was a retired truck driver last driving for Belson Steel in Kankakee, Illinois. He was also a retired volunteer firefighter.

He was of the Baptist faith.

James enjoyed going dancing with his girlfriend and tinkering on projects. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are two daughters: Karla Bird of Elkville, Illinois, and Sandra Fisher and husband Terry of Herrin, Illinois; his girlfriend Sandra Phillips of Elkville, Illinois; five grandchildren: James Nathaniel Fisher, T.J. Fisher, Bruce Adam Fisher, Amy Rose Fortin, Laura Katherine Renee Fortin; five great-grandchildren: Dylan Fisher, James Fisher, Terry Fisher, Adam Fisher and Adian Fisher; three siblings: Ida Louise Webber of Louisiana, Alice Almeda Reed of Carterville, Illinois, Harold Bird of Streator, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lorine Faye Bird; a half-brother Wayne Bird; a brother Leroy Bird, a half-sister Helen Evans, and a brother William Harvey Bird, who died two days previous to James’ death.

Memorial contributions In Memory of James Bird, may be made to Coal Belt Fire Protective Association; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of James; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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