COURTLAND — James Roger “Jimmy” Byrum, 68, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 24, 2016.

Jimmy was born on May 15, 1948, in Gates County, North Carolina, and retired from International Paper in 2009 after 40 years of service.

He attended Courtland Baptist Church, and was a member of Forks of the River Hunt Club.

Jimmy was predeceased by his father, Roger Spurgeon Byrum.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 26 years, Deborah Hornok Byrum; his mother, Helen L. Coggsdale (Jessie) of Bolivia, North Carolina; two daughters, Tonya Lynette Byrum of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; and Amy Byrum Swindell (Otis) of Hertford, North Carolina; one son, Adam James Byrum and his girlfriend, Morgan Druyos, of Courtland; two sisters, Rita B. Felton (Nelson) of Eure, North Carolina; and Robin B. Smith (David) of Bolivia; two grandchildren, Ashley J. Davenport (William) and Abigail L. Riordan, both of Moyock, North Carolina; and nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

Jimmy was a father figure to many young people. He lived life to the fullest, loved everyone and was loved by many and always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, in Wright Funeral Home, Franklinm with the Rev. Dr. Robert Carpenter officiating and Martin Carter delivering the eulogy. The burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Courtland.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Courtland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad or Courtland Baptist Church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.