LOGAN, UTAH: James E. Bird 83, of Logan, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, while at home surrounded by loved ones.

Jim was born June 30, 1921 in Provo, Utah to David Charles Bird and Delta Carter. As a young boy the family moved several times until finally settling in Nephi, Utah. Shortly after the move his father died. His mother later married Edward Lloyd Wilkey.

After graduating from Juab High School he was called to serve his country in World War II. Upon his return he married Phyllis Belliston on March 1, 1946 in the Manti Temple. They with their young family moved to Logan in 1959. They were blessed with eight children and had many happy years together.

Some of his happiest times were when he was serving God and others. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings including working in the Logan Temple. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service, where cared for the camp grounds during the summer and during winter represented them as Snow Ranger at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort. He loved spending time with his family, doing genealogy, and gardening.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, sister Marjorie, and daughter Deanne Rawlings.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, and seven children; Merrill (Tacy) Bird, Carol (Jay) Cowley, Gordon (Shelley) Bird, Sharon Bird, Eileen (Steve) Jensen, Joan (Jim) Bradley, Connie (Bob) Whittaker, son-in-law Gary Rawlings, sister Alta (Cornell) Bettridge, brothers; David C. (Ellen) Bird, Lloyd (Annetta) Wilkey, thirty-two grand children, and forty-one great grand children.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, October 25, 2004 at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, in Logan, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. on Sunday October 24, 2004 at the mortuary, and again beginning one hour prior to the funeral services at 11 A.M.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Anna and Erick of I.H.C. Hospice, for their sweet and gentile care over the last few months.