Obituary: Jim 'Byrd' Edmonds, 72, Of Naugatuck

Information via Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home

Loving husband, son, brother, uncle and great uncle.

Jim “Byrd” Edmonds, 72, husband of Barbara (Schwartz) Edmonds, died peacefully on January 30, 2024 at Waterbury Hospital.

Byrd was born June 14, 1951 in Waterbury, CT 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 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, CT; his sister and brother in law, Jane and Scott Thompson of Plainfield, CT; his sister, Lori Ramos of San Diego, CA; 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 of 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 will gather to honor and celebrate Byrd's life on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Byrd’s love of animals, donations are requested to Animals for Life, 195 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770.