James "Jim" Michael Byroad
February 21, 1951 ~ November 20, 2019
James “Jim” Michael Byroad, 68, a lifelong resident of Beech Grove, passed away at his home on November 20, 2019. Jim was born on February 21, 1951 to the late Robert and Gloria (Bunch) Byroad in Beech Grove. Jim wed the late Debra L. (Goecker) Byroad who preceded him in death on February 23, 1998.
Jim was a graduate of Beech Grove High School. Upon graduation, he attended Indiana University. James had a successful career in trucking sales and logistics. Even after he retired, James still took on work as a freelance handyman and carpenter who could fix or build almost anything.
Jim was an accomplished baker who was known for his famous peanut butter pie, buckeyes, and holiday treats. His guilty pleasure was playing the lotto, and every Wednesday at 7:00 you could find Jim at The Eagles in Beech Grove for their weekly drawing. Not only was Jim a devoted husband and father, but he was a fantastic grandfather, always taking his grandson, Finn to McDonald’s in his big blue truck for a Happy Meal. Jim is going to be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gloria (Bunch) Byroad and his wife, Debra L. (Goecker) Byroad.
Survivors include his children, Steve Byroad and Rachel (Kevin) Brichler; grandson, Finn Brichler; siblings, Larry Byroad and Linda (Carter) Normington; his sister-in-law, Denese (Mike) Smitha; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and Friends will gather on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service will be begin at 1:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home. James will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery next to Debra at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or your charity of choice; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Please visit www.orileyfuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for Jim’s family.
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Words can never express ones feelings at a time like this, I hope you have some comfort knowing that your friends are praying for and thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss. Ann Sullivan
Any time I would give him a hard time about being old or his bald head, he would say “Kevin, you know what I like about you? Absolutely nothing!” and then he would smile and laugh hysterically at himself. It never got old and made me smile every single time. I will miss that smile and laugh very much. – Kevin, Jim’s favorite (and, as it were, only) son-in-law
Jim was a friend from high school..Just saw him, enjoyed his company during our recent (June 14, 2019) 50th Beech Grove High School class reunion. He loved his family deeply. I would be remiss in not sharing, tho, as others knew all too well…he was my high school sweetheart…We both found our ‘true’ loves, yet always, I have no doubt, continued our caring for each other. I bid you adieu, Jim…now hasten your pace into that glory of heaven, God’s arms…and find your wife to have and to hold – forever!
I will miss my friend, Jim. He had a good sense of humor and I loved his laugh. We spent a lot of time chatting on my porch this past summer. He was a special person & will be missed. “TC”
Kevin, I would smart off at him and he would say the same thing. We were usually at the Eagles and everyone around would say it in unison with him. Absolutely nothing! Lol
Sam and I will miss our friend and neighbor. Sitting out on the patio laughing and telling stories and always talking politics.
Even though it had been 50 years since we had seen each other when we ran into each other at Lowe’s a few months ago we recognized each other right away and spent time catching up…little did I know that was the last time I would see you here on earth. I know that you are now with your wife and parents and I hope that is of some comfort to your family and friends who are missing you so very much. You were a great person with an awesome personality who will be missed and always lived by many. I will keep your family in my prayers.ߙϰߏ»
My husband and I call him Neighbor Jim because of all the Jims we know. Our families moved into the neighborhood the same week in August of 1957 so we’ve got some history. We’ll miss his laugh and friendship. Blessings and RIP Neighbor Jim.
Another BGHS Class of 1969 gone much too soon. So many good memories with another South Grover. RIP, my friend.
He was a super nice gentleman and always had a smile. I remember when he would come get his tickets for the Wednesday night drawing I would say how many tickets and he would say 20 ߘ€ then he would say no just 2. He never bought the same amount he always kept me guessing. He will be missed by the many that knew him at Beech Grove Eagles Lodge.Until we meet again!
Lucy Olive and I decided to create a blind date for “Road” at the Olympia Club (!), after hours, of course. It didn’t take long for Jim to see this young lady was as beautiful inside as she was outside. Debbie Goecker brought out the best in Jim. They leave a legacy of two awesome kids whom I was blessed to know. I was in dental school and had no place to live for the summer after my first year of school. Jim was living in a studio apartment in Westlake and said he would be happy to make room for me. This was the kind of guy he always was. I will miss my best friend in high school, see you on the other side, Road!
Love your tribute, Carolyn, well said!
Rachel I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your father. I am here if you need anything, I know how you are feeling, sending you comforting Hugs and Prayers. I know today was so hard for all of you and I wish I could help take away the pain. ߙϰߙϰߘذߘ˜
I was very sad to hear about Jim’s passing.Jim did handy man work for me this last summer.In the short time I knew him he did good work and was nice to know.My sympathy goes out to the family. Robert Schreiber, Beech Grove
Rachel and Steve, I am so sorry. Jim and I were friends for many years and I will so miss him. We last talked Halloween night after he had spent the evening with Finn and he was so happy. He loved his family so much. He will always be in our hearts.