NAUGATUCK – Jim “Byrd” Edmonds, 72, husband of Barbara (Schwartz) Edmonds, died peacefully on Jan. 30, 2024, at Waterbury Hospital.
Byrd was born June 14, 1951 in Waterbury, a son of the late Thomas F. and Betty (Solie) Edmonds. A lifelong Naugatuck resident, Byrd graduated from St. Francis Grammar School and Naugatuck High School, class of 1969. He then attended New Haven College for law enforcement.
Byrd worked in various drinking establishments in town, with his “home” being the Long Meadow Café. He also worked at Risdon Manufacturing and Uniroyal and before retiring, he worked for 20 years at Platt Brothers in Waterbury.
Byrd always had a smile and a story to share, like the time he beat Wilt Chamberlain playing poker. He had many interests; his beloved Miami Dolphins, the Kentucky Derby, music, Misquamicut vacations and he loved to play in the summer softball leagues.
He attended the original Woodstock and his favorite music was by The Kinks, Zombies, Billy Carrington and most of all, Jimmy Buffett. He would wake up early on vacations and walk the beach; then the fun would start.
In addition to Barbara, his loving wife of 24 years, Byrd is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas E. and Claudette Edmonds of Prospect; his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Scott Thompson of Plainfield; his sister, Lori Ramos of San Diego, Calif.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, Byrd was predeceased by his buddy, Virgil.
Barb and Byrd were able to check a few things off their bucket list, the most memorable ones being attending the 2004 Kentucky Derby, and in 2021 visiting Key West. Thank you Jamie!
In Byrd’s own words, and with a couple from Jimmy Buffett, “Attitude Adjustment” and “Fins Up.”
Family and friends were to gather to honor and celebrate Byrd’s life on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Byrd’s love of animals, donations are requested to Animals for Life, 195 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, CT 06770.
To leave an online condolence, please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
