GRAFTON: James D. Byrum, 79, passed away February 27, 2018 following an illness. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Jeannine I. (Cadrin) Byrum, his children Melanie Sharratt and her husband Jack of Illinois, Rebecca King and her husband Benjamin of Athol, Jennifer Couture and her husband Steven Gagner of Manchaug and Lisa Freeman and her husband Todd of Douglas, his grandchildren Jason and Alex Sharratt, Auggie Grescko, Matthew and Anna Freeman, Paige Gagner and Timothy King, his siblings Earl Byrum of Virginia, Martha Lenhart and her husband Jack (Doc) of Texas and Steven Byrum and his wife Lori of Virginia Beach. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Doug Byrum. James was born September 24, 1938 in Ola, Arkansas, son of the late Gladys (Coffman) and James Byrum. He was a proud 24 year veteran of the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Machinist Mate aboard the USS Newport News along with his brothers Earl and Doug, serving multiple tours in Vietnam where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with gold star, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life and was a member of the VFW Post 1497 in South Grafton and Dudley Gendron VFW Post. He worked as a boiler inspector for many years and served on the Town of Northborough Water and Sewer Department as a Union Representative. Away from work Jim loved a round of golf with friends, following the New England Patriots and treasured time with his grandchildren, family and friends. All are welcome to gather with Jim’s family and friends Friday March 9th at 11:30am at Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton for burial with military honors. There are no calling hours. Please honor Jim with a donation to support the town of Grafton Fire Department Canteen Truck, checks should be made payable to the Grafton Firefighters Association and may be mailed to the Grafton Fire Department, 26 Upton St., Grafton, MA., 01519. A Book of Memories to share a message of sympathy with Jim’s family is available online at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com