Jackie was born on February 2, 1948, in Beaumont, Texas, to Martha Scarborough Byrd Foster and Willis Wayne Byrd. He is preceded in death by his father Willis Wayne Byrd and father-in-law Charles Robert Bean.
Jackie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Judy Bean Byrd, daughter Jennifer Byrd Dalby and husband Jason, daughter Julie Byrd Wylie and husband Chris, son Jordan Byrd and wife Deborah, mother Martha Scarborough Byrd Foster and husband Forrest James Foster, mother-in-law Mary Bean, sister Brenda Byrd Landrum and husband Ronny, brother Greg Byrd and wife Mary, 7 grandchildren (Madison, Sarah, Hannah, and Major Dalby; Brylea, Boss, and Champ Byrd), many nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends. Jackie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.
Jackie led a fruitful life, not only for God, but for his family and work as well. He graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 1966, and pursued his passion in baseball by continuing his education at Lamar Technical College in Beaumont, Texas. For 4 years, he played baseball and got a bachelor's degree in education. While there, he met his sweetheart Judy. They met in May of 1970 and married in August of 1970. He began a successful career of teaching and coaching in 1970 at Highlands Junior High in Highlands, Texas. He soon went on to teach and coach at Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, while careers at Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas, and Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas, came later. Keeping his passion for education, he also pursued and received a master's degree from Lamar University. After retirement, he continued to substitute teach and drive school buses, until his illness forced him to stop.
Jackie loved all sports, of all levels. He loved the camaraderie behind it all, and the sportsmanship. Many of his school lessons and Sunday School lessons revolved around sports stories. Jackie also loved the outdoors, like being on a boat and fishing in the middle of a lake. His other desires included household projects, traveling, and lawn work. However, he always put others' desires and needs before his own, as he was a very generous man.
Jackie made an impact on many peoples' lives, whether through his school teaching, coaching, church going, or being neighborly. He never met a stranger, and always was filled with words of encouragement.
Jackie will be missed by many but remembered for his loving nature.
A thank you is extended to Faith Community Hospice in Baytown, Texas, for the care and support during his last days, and a thank you is extended to Navarre Funeral Home and Old River Baptist Church for all of the arrangements.
A special thank you is extended to all of his loving family members and friends who have made such an impact on his life. Your love and support is much appreciated.
Visitation will be Friday, February 15, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Old River Baptist Church. Funeral services for Jackie will be held at Old River Baptist Church on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Danny Biddy, Rev. Ritchard Bean and Rev. Ronnie Webb officiating. Jackie will be laid to rest at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown, Texas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.
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