James Bird

James M. "Jim" Bird, 77, of Mansfield, died Friday, February 20, 2015 at his home. Born September 8, 1937 in Galion, he was the son of Edith (Northrup) and Charles Bird, Sr. A 1956 graduate of Galion High School, Jim served with the U.S. Navy for four years and retired after 36 years from General Motors where he worked in maintenance. He was a member of the Lexington Area Senior Citizens, Moose, and a lifetime member of the Amvets #31. Jim loved animals and was always the one to feed and take care of everything for them. He was a big OSU Buckeye fan and enjoyed golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, and loved gambling trips. Jim was also blessed with a beautiful voice and was a talented guitarist. He was a wonderful and fun loving guy who loved life.

He is survived by his significant other of 15 years, Sandra Spurlock of Mansfield; nephew, Wendell Napper of Norton; niece, Sandra Dawson of Ravenna; great nieces and nephews, Dawn Murray, Dale Dawson, Jeff Evans, and Jason Napper, all of Akron; great great niece and nephew, Dale and Demi Murray; step children, Bill Spurlock of Columbus and Stacy Miller of Akron; and step grandchildren, Luke and Makena Miller and J.J. and Jacoby Spurlock.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine and Janice; brother, Charles, Jr.; and nephews, Joseph and Fred.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario, conducted by Rev. Thomas Blair. Friends may call prior to the service from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Military services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner, Mansfield, OH 44903.