James Leonard Byrn

James Leonard Byrn, of Silver Creek, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born in Ada, Oklahoma to Roy Leonard and Vivian Virginia Pettit Byrn and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove, California in 1960. In June of 1960, James enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served our country for over 26 years until his retirement in November of 1988. Along the way he met the love of his life, Barbara Jo McBride, and they were married on June 6, 1965, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. James graduated with honors with a degree in Computer Management from Great Falls College Montana State University. He and Bobbie Jo were living in Enid, Oklahoma when she died in 2011. Five years ago, James moved with his daughter, Melissa, to a country home in Silver Creek. There, he has enjoyed making latch hook rugs, feeding and caring for all of the wildlife, and has especially loved his puppies. James will be remembered for the deep love that he had for his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lola Elliott; a daughter, Jami Lynn Zawacki; a great-grandchild, Bayn Leroy Ash Zawacki; and his beloved wife, Bobbie Jo. James is survived by his children, Michael (Patty) Byrn, Melissa (James) Mayhugh, David (Jessica) Byrn, Jennifer (Brian) Sapankevych; Heather (Bryan) Gaston, and Ryan (Taylor) Byrn; a son-in-law, David Zawacki; two sisters, Nancy Lyons and Patricia Williams; a brother, Robert Byrn; fifteen grandchildren, Craig (Charity) Butterfield, Scott (Tracy) Butterfield, Heidi (Dustin) Dickey, Alexis Sapankevych, Katrina Sapankevych, Gavin Gaston, Isabella Schwann, Stephen (Kasi) Zawacki, Christine Zawacki, Vicktoria Zawacki, Deanna Zawacki, Destiny Thuen, Aston Leslie, Nateaka Byrn, and Nathaniel Byrn; seventeen great-grandchildren, Taylor Butterfield, Mason Butterfield, Olivia Butterfield, Jace Butterfield, Cole Butterfield, Alexis Sapankevych, Katrina Sapankevych, Cortan Elektra, Xenya Zawacki, Skaelett Zawacki, Jackson Zawacki, Zachary Jones, Zora Neibrand, Freyja Niebrand, Alissa Thuen, Lucas Little, Abigail Little; and one great-great-grandchild.

The funeral services for James will be private.