Mr. James "Jim" Franklin Byrd

A celebration of his life will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home N. Elm St.

Jim, known as “Poppy” to his family, was a native of Memphis, TN and attended Memphis State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing in 1964. He had a very successful career in the insurance industry as a Vice President for Aetna, a Vice President for Indiana Insurance and a Marketing Executive for Key Risk Management. Since retiring in January 2010, Jim enjoyed driving for the Greensboro Auto Auction, golfing with his Key Risk Group, attending the monthly Aetna Retiree Breakfast, and most of all kayak and fly fishing. He was a member of the NC Kayak Fishing Association and the Nat Green Fishing Association.

Mr. Byrd is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Brock Byrd, who was his high school sweetheart. He is also survived by his son, James Brandon Byrd, his daughter, Kyley Byrd Ferris and husband J Ferris and their daughter, Marley Hannah Ferris, all of Asheville, his brother Ray Byrd and wife Glenda of Memphis, TN, brother-in-law James H Brock and wife Diana of Houston, TX and several nieces, nephews and their families. He will be especially missed by his beloved pet, Scarlette O’Beagle.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Triangle Beagle Rescue c/o Mary Price 2314 Lyon Street

Raleigh, NC 27608 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.