James Lester Bird

James Lester Bird, 88, of Point Pleasant, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Holzer Senior Care in Bidwell, OH. He was born November 5, 1928, in Lizemores, WV, a son of the late Henry Estil Bird and Mary Charolette (Ramsey) Bird. Lester was a member and deacon of Faith Gospel Church in Gallipolis Ferry. He was a graduate of Clay High School Class of 1948, served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army and retired with 33 yrs. service from Century Aluminum. During his military service, Lester earned the Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, Occupation Medal (Japan) and United Nations Service Medal. Lester enjoyed farming, raising cattle and quilting. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy P. Bird; a son, Robert Bird; and two brothers, Sylvester and Paul Bird. Papa Bird is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Glenn McClellan of Point Pleasant and Beverly and Rev. George Lockhart of Avon Park, FL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Doug and Judy Bird of Wellston, OH and Jeff and Treva Bird of Hinton, WV; six grandchildren, James Lockhart, Rachel Lockhart Bowden and Dan, Christopher Bird and Brandy, Felicia Bird and Ronnie, J.T. Bird and Robyn Bird; and four great-grandchildren, J.J. Bird, Adrionna Mullins, Ethan Bowden and Aidan Bowden. He is also survived by three brothers, Ed (Rosalee) Bird of Youngstown, OH, Kenneth (Cora Sue) Bird of Jodie, WV, Larry (Judy) Bird of Dixie, WV and Ray (Gloria) Bird of Bomont, WV; four sisters, Madeline Taylor of Clendenin, WV, Charolette Travis of Morgantown, WV, Reta (Garry) Kight of Glenville, WV and Zelma (Butch) Meadows of Ravenswood, WV; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, with Pastor Joshua Fisher and Rev. George Lockhart officiating. Burial will follow at Kirkland Memorial Gardens in Point Pleasant. Military graveside rites will be given by the West Virginia Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For those considering an expression of sympathy, the family suggests donations to: The Gideons International, Faith Gospel Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.