James William Byrd

James William Byrd, 58, of Parkersburg passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born Oct. 13, 1958 in Parkersburg, the son of the late Donna (Cross) DeFrietas and the late Lee Byrd. He is survived by his sisters, Fefe Gordon (Jeff) of Walker, Melissa Parsons (Eric) of Davisville and Tina Bailey (Pnut) of Harrisville; his brother, Larry DeFrietas of Moundsville; 13 nephews; six nieces; 18 great-nephews and great-nieces; one uncle, Sam Cross of North Carolina; and several cousins. He was a 1978 graduate of Parkersburg High School where he was the Big Red Indian. He graduated from Parkersburg Beauty College in 1980. He also served in the U.S. Navy. James loved his family and friends dearly and left a memorable impression with all of them. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Daddy Ike Cunningham; his brother, Thomas Byrd; sister-in-law, Tammy; his aunts, Myrtle Arthur, Hazel Lyons, Marie Flint and Zelma Logston; his uncles, Robert Cross, Paul Cross, James Cross and Bill Cross; his nephew, Joey; and his nieces, Peyton and Cassy. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 400 Green St. Parkersburg, WV. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A covered dish dinner will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Parkersburg City Park by the playground.