James L. Byrd, 94, of Centreville, Illinois, born November 9, 1929 in Florence, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Belleville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Byrd was a retired English Teacher from the Cahokia Unit School District 187 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Cahokia, IL and former member and Pastoral Administrator of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Centreville, IL. He was an avid animal lover.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta Byrd, nee Marica; and his parents, James O. and Ellen, nee Howell, Byrd. One sister Frances George.

Surviving are his children, James O. Byrd of Cahokia Heights, IL, Francis J. (Jodi) Byrd of Lawson, MO, Mary F. Byrd of Cahokia Heights, IL, and Michael A. Byrd of Cahokia Heights, IL.  Five grandchildren, Jessie Byrd, Francis J (Emily) Byrd, Jr., Ashley Tayon, Alexis Byrd and Mikaela Byrd; and nine great grandchildren, Jackson, Devlynn, Izayah, Bentley, Ryker, Aliyah, JJ, River and Dylan.  He was also a dear uncle, cousin, and friend.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com.

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Building Fund

Friends may visit from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on February 2, 2024, at Braun Family Funeral Home, 265 Quarry Road, Columbia, Illinois.  Funeral procession to leave at      on Saturday February 3, 2024, at 10:30 am form the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia, Illinois for a 11:00 am Mass of the Christian Burial with Father Evaristus Akabueze & Father Linus Umoren officiating.  Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Cahokia Heights, Illinois.