Jimmie D. Bird was born January 20, 1933 to Graves and Lillian Bird, at home, in Clendenin, West Virginia.  He attended public schools in Kanawha, CO, graduating in 1951.  Jim joined the USAF in Feb. of 1952, Serving 2 years in Japan.

He was deployed back to PAFB in Florida in 1956.  Jim reconnected with family friends from West Virginia and their daughter Barbara Gandee.  Barbara and Jim were married in March 1957.  They bought their first home in Eau Gallie in 1958 and raised their 4 children there.

Jim was employed by RCA in 1957.  Later he was employed at GE and CSR for a total of 40 years at the Kennedy Space Center.  He retired in 1995.

During his spare time, Jim volunteered at Eau Gallie High School where his children attended, announcing baseball games and working the Chain Gang for football season.  Jim also coached Little League, Midget Football, Youth Basketball and Royal Ambassador's at church.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Melbourne.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 67 years and 4 children, Jimmie, Terri, Timothy (Michelle), and Dina.  2 grandsons, Ethan Bird and Rylin Irle. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Gary) Dye.

Jim will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.