Mr. James Rogers Byrd Jr., age 71, of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered this life on October 9, 1954 in Richmond, Virginia to the late, James “Jim” Rogers and Elizabeth Marie (Davis) Byrd. James was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and was a 1973 graduate of Woodford High School. He was inducted into the United States Navy and was honorable discharged. James earned an associate’s degree in mechanical design and tool engineering from ITT Technical Institute, a field that perfectly suited his talent for precision and creativity. Over the years, James applied his skills at various jobs. He dedicated many years to Alexander & Associates Co. and later to Ambassador Heat Transfer Company. James was united in marriage to Ora Estelle Jones on November 29, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Elsmere, Kentucky. This union blended two families together, creating a larger and fuller family. James joined Greater Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in 1966, where he was on the usher board. He was also a member of the Son’s of God. James took great joy in rolling up his sleeves for all kinds of side projects and tackling the latest home renovation. Handywork wasn’t just a task for him; it was a creative outlet and a source of pride. He especially enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for his family. James passed away at 5:47 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Hospice of Cincinnati Blue Ash in Cincinnati, Ohio.
James will be missed by his beloved wife, Ora (Jones) Byrd of Cincinnati, OH; his children, Tempra Nicole Byrd of Cincinnati, OH, Torri Allen Byrd of Cincinnati, OH, Tyron Altongo Byrd of Cincinnati, OH, Tina Mason and her husband, Christopher of Walton, KY, Christopher Perkins and his wife, Krilaunda of Cincinnati, OH, Anton Groomes of Fishers, IN and Aaron Groomes and his wife, Jasmine of Cincinnati, OH; his grandchildren, Tevion Royal Todd, Tapreia Royal Todd, Takarie Byrd, Tylan Byrd, Zimone Mason, Zhock Mason, Zhaeda Mason, Zimya Mason, Zion Mason, Krilaunda Perkins, Nailah Perkins, Naomi Perkins, Israel Perkins and his wife, Sondra, Aaron Groomes Jr., Amari Groomes and Javari Groomes; his great-grandchildren, Capri, Christopher, Keanu, Kylo, Asin, Layla and Adina; his brother, Daryl Byrd and his wife, Jessica of Gainesville, FL; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Margaret Travis, Vanetta Margison, Dee Roetting, Mary Hoskins and Martin Jones (Paula).
He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” Rogers and Elizabeth Marie (Davis) Byrd; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Van and Marie Jones; his brothers-in-law, Ronald and Robert “Bobby” Jones.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Greater Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, 6209 Desmond Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, by Pastor Herbert Mabry, at the Greater Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, 6209 Desmond Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227.
Interment will follow in the Graceland Memorial Gardens, 5989 Deerfield Road, Milford, Ohio 45140.
Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Liberty Missionary Baptist Church or American Cancer Society. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com