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James Walter "J.W." Byrd, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, a special member of "The Greatest Generation," and a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2007 with his loving family beside him. Mr. Byrd was born on March 28, 1923 to Walter and Katherine (McCurdy) Byrd of Albuquerque. He was a product of many miracles including being the lone survivor of a crew of ten in a mid-air collision as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was held captive for ten months in a German Prison Camp. Upon his return to the U.S. he married the love of his life, Evelyn Ellis, on January 15, 1947. J.W. will be remembered for his love of ballooning. He was active in the ballooning community for over thirty years including flying, instructing, examining and officiating in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and other national ballooning events from 1973 until 2006. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and was an excellent cook. Mr. Byrd is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Byrd; son, Jim Byrd and his wife, Teresa, and daughter, Niki Byrd-Dickey and her husband, Frank, all of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Amelia-Ann and Jamie Dickey, and David, Thomas, Matthew and Chris Gallegos; great-grandchildren, Marissa and Isaiah Gallegos; sisters, Beatrice Holmes and her husband, Jim, and Berniece Holmen and her husband, Maurice; numerous nieces and nephews; and a community of many people who loved and respected him. Mr. Byrd is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Evelyn Coleman. Services are pending at this time and are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
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