BIRD, James Andrew

September 25th, 1972 – Thunder Bay, Ontario

December 22nd, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of James Andrew Bird. Beloved husband of Heather (nee Mitchell-Matheson) and loving father to son Andrew (Natasha) and daughters Ashleigh and Hannah, grandfather to Clayton, Mason, Noah, Keelan, Hunter, Kinley, Solis, Easton and Laykleigh. James passed away peacefully on December 22, 2019 at the age of 47 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

James was an especially hard worker, a talented tradesman and a proud former Canadian Armed Forces Service Member of the 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He loved to golf, watch sports, travel, target practice and spend time with his wife, family, dog Chico and friends. James was a role model in everything he did, he was patriotic and valued tradition. James was patient and soft spoken yet had a quick wit and a great sense of humour. We will miss his laugh that would warm your soul and his immense wisdom that he brought into our daily lives. James loved the ones closest to him with his entire heart.

James is survived by his wife of 6 years, Heather; son Andrew (Natasha); daughters Ashleigh and Hannah; mother Janet (Carl); Father Jim (Debbie); half sister Natalie and half brother Ryan and many other family and friends. James was predeceased by his sister Jennifer in 2009. A very special thank you to James’ oncologist Dr. Jose Monzon, Dr. Shawn Loewen, Pauline Yaremichuk with Cochrane Home Care and the team at Dulcina Hospice for helping us through this most difficult challenge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to the Calgary Poppy Fund (www.calgarypoppyfund.com)

A Celebration of James’s Life will be held Saturday January 25, 2020 at the Lynx Ridge Golf Club in Bearspaw from 2:00-6:00 pm (8 Lynx Ridge Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB)

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 24/12/2019 at 5:50 pm Sandra zechel Said:

    Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father Ashleigh.
    And family.

  2. On 27/12/2019 at 12:50 pm Annie Walker Said:

    So saddened by the news of James’ passing. Hold on to the memories to keep him in your heart forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. On 27/12/2019 at 8:31 pm Travis Elgert Said:

    I grew up with James. He spend a week at my house when his mom was away. I haven’t seen seen him is a few years but I already miss him. I believe the world was a better place with him in it. It is a sad day for everyone.
    James, I miss you.

    My loving thoughts go out to the family. Sorry for your loss.
    Travis

  4. On 02/01/2020 at 8:48 pm Anne McKervill Said:

    I am very sorry to hear of James passing. His mother Janet is a dear friend of mine.

  5. On 16/01/2020 at 6:08 pm Karen and Greg Hess Said:

    Dearest Heather,
    We grieve with you.
    You brought James into our family circle and we loved him immediately. Kind, calm, thoughtful, witty, and deeply in love and devoted to you. We knew he was “a keeper”!
    As James said, you were his rock. You were a team, best friends.
    We grieve with you.
    Auntie Karen and Uncle Greg

  6. On 23/01/2020 at 9:47 am brenda critchley David Dornian Said:

    So sad to hear about James. Although I never met James, I have heard a lot of great things about him. Just know we are thinking of you at this time. Cherish the memories.

    Brenda and David

  7. On 24/01/2020 at 10:15 am Jolene Hunt Said:

    Heather, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

    Jolene and Jon

  8. On 24/01/2020 at 11:23 pm Glenn & Charity Tait Said:

    We are so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to work with James for many years. He was a kind, funny, down to earth, all around great man. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers♥

    Glenn & Charity Tait

  9. On 26/01/2020 at 7:41 am Breanne Leach Said:

    Deepest condolences for your loss Heather, and family and friends. James genuine soul with be forever missed but not forgotten. You were his strength through weakness, and now he is out of pain and at peace Bless you James.