James Alton “Jim” Byard, 84 of Mannington, who passed away on Saturday (Dec. 02, 2023) at Genesis HealthCare in Sistersville. He was the son of the late Encil Ray and Florence (Stoneking) Byard. Jim was born Feb. 6th, 1939, in Mannington. He was a 1957 graduate of Mannington High School and soon after went to work as a mechanic at the Eastern Associated Coal Company in Rachel until they closed in 1984.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Ray Byard, whom he was married to for 64 years; three sons, Tom Byard of Ocala, FL, Tim (Darlene) Byard of Mannington, and Buck (Mia) Byard, of Gainesville, FL; a sister, Mary “Kitty” Freeland of Greenville, NC; two sisters-in-law, Sharon (Fluharty) Byard of Plum Run and Kathy (Ray) Price of Fairmont; a brother-in-law, Don (Joyce) Ray of Norwood, NC; seven grandchildren, Clint McClure, JD (Carrie) Byard, Adam (Danika) Gorby, Wesley Byard, Mariah (Josh) Harvey, Cameron Byard, Chelsea (Zane) Neher; seven great-grandchildren, Hayden and Bodie Byard, Brayden and Liam Gorby, Blake Byard, Mila and Vivian Harvey; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert Byard and brother, Junior Byard; daughter-in-law, Leasa (Thomas) Byard and brother-in-law, Ernest Freeland.
Jim was baptized at the Church of Christ in 1985. He enjoyed going to the stock sales with his brother, Junior, and watching the Pirates and Steelers play. He was a proud and active member of the UMWA. He also took great pride in maintaining his sidewalk and yard.
A very special thank you goes out to the wonderful staff at Genesis HealthCare in Sistersville for their special care and love of “Big Jim”.
Family and friends will be received from 2p.m.- 8p.m. on Wednesday December 6th at Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main St., Mannington. Funeral services will begin at 11a.m. on Thursday December 7th in the funeral home with Dr. Evangelist Michael P. Reese officiating. His final resting place will be at the Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of James Byard may be directed to support Alzheimer’s research at curealz.org. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com.
Condolences
Jim was a wonderful neighbor and friend, always doing for others and helping in any way he could. He will be missed. Deepest sympathy to all the family and a prayer that the Lord will fill your days with His peace and bring comfort to your heart.
My sympathy to Wanda and the Byard Family. I first knew Jim as an undersized football player for MHS who quickly developed into an extraodinary force. I personally saw him force an opponent into abandoning in a game their basic formation by tackling the quarterback before he could turn from center during their first two game possessions. He was a friend and a joy to all who knew him.
Byard family I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim and Tom at Rachel mine for about 8yr. MY God truly bless your family during your time of grief. Yours in Christ Jesus Larry.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Prayers for peace and comfort to your family from your work family. May this be a time to celebrate the life of such a wonderful man and to live each day fully in his remembrance.
Mariah, Josh, and family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sending our deepest sympathy. Remembering you in thought and prayer.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. Having known Jim for many decades, it was always a good day when we got to talk with him. We would talk about Mannington, sports, families, coal mines, politics and whatever else. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. He will be missed by so many, and certainly by us. Love from Suzette and Phil.
My sympathies to Wanda, Tom,Tim, Buck and family.