Jim A. Bird

Jim Allen Bird, 87, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, peacefully at his home.

Jim Allen Bird was born on November 23, 1935, to Jesse and Geraldine (Fox) Bird in Tyler, MN. Jim’s mother sadly passed away when he was four, and he was raised by his grandparents in Tyler, MN until he was twelve years old.  He then moved to Northern MN where he lived on his dad’s family farm.  Jim graduated high school from North Central School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids, MN in 1955.

In February 1956 he joined the United States Navy.  He spent time while in the Navy in Florida and California in Squadron VF 191, then boarded Aircraft Carrier CV 31 USS BON HOMME RICHARD.  Jim was honorably discharged after four years of service.

Jim continued to live in Florida and later Georgia while raising his four children.  Jim moved to Aberdeen in 1974.  He purchased the Pantorium Dry Cleaners in 1975.  He married Marybeth Kuntz on January 1, 1982, in Aberdeen.  He continued running the Pantorium until he sold it and retired in 2010.

Jim was an avid hunter and loved fishing with his wife Mary and spent many hours on the Missouri River.  He enjoyed playing darts with a lot of special friends and enjoyed going to tournaments.  Jim also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.  Jim was a member of the American Legion and The Eagles.  He was a member of the Aberdeen Alliance Church.

Grateful for having shared Jim’s life are his wife, Mary; one daughter Debbie (Rick) Brendel; two sons: Gary (Diane) Bird and Timothy Bird; one sister Lois Jensen; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Geraldine Bird; his stepmother Gladys Bird; one daughter Sheri Stutes; and one brother William Bird.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Roncalli Catholic School System in Aberdeen, SD.