James Bruce Byers

James Bruce Byers, 79, of Alexandria passed away April17,2022 after a long illness. He was born April 11, 1943 in Massillon, Ohio to Herbert and Dorothy (Slinger) Byers. He attended the Akron local schools and the University of Ohio and Miami University. After graduation he received a commission as a captain in the US Air Force and served 4 years. He received a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. In 1972 he joined the National Archives staff in the Nixon Presidential Library Project. After Watergate he served in other positions in the National Archives, including Branch Chief of the Central Research Rooms. About 1989 he became the Assistant Director for Archival Programs in the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution. He retired from the Smithsonian June 24, 2003.

He was an active member of the Mid Atlantic Archives Conference, the Society of American Archivists, and MG Car Club of the National Capitol Area.

He is survived by his wife, Jane and son James Robert Byers of Austin, TX.

Viewing will be at Demaine Funeral Home in Alexandria on May 12 from 5:00 to 7:00. Funeral mass and interment will be 11:00 at St. Louis Catholic Church on May 13. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Jim Byers Memorial MS Fund.