James M. “Jim” Bird, 68, of Celina, passed away September 5, 2024, at Celina Manor.

He was born September 23, 1955, in Van Wert, to Lloyde & Helen (Railing) Bird. His father preceded him in death in 1985, his mother in 1988, and brother, Richard D. “Dick” Bird, in 1999.

Jim is survived by his sister-in-law, Darlene Bird of Celina, and nephews: Duane Bird and his children of Longmont, Colorado, Don & Mindi Bird and their children: Kendall, Kameron, and Karson Bird, of Coldwater, and Dan Bird of Mendon.

Jim attended Cheryl Ann School and the CA Industries Workshop.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Celina.Jim loved fishing, animals – especially dogs, and watching horse races. He enjoyed doing crafts: coloring, making plastic canvas needlecrafts, and wrapping coat hangers.

An avid Cincinnati Reds fan, Jim had been looking forward to a Redsthemed birthday party planned for him this month. Treats Jim enjoyed were cheeseburgers and onion rings from the Willow, and chocolate milkshakes from Celina Wine Store. Jim was a social butterfly, who never forgot a name. He was referred to as the “official door greeter” at Celina Manor for several years.

Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 13, at St. John Lutheran Church in Celina, with Pastor Becky Erb-Strang, officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina. Calling Hours will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 12, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, at St. John’s.

In Jim’s honor, his family invites everyone to dress casually, and wear your favorite Cincinnati Reds gear or the color red. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Celina Manor Resident Account or CA Industries Workshop.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the Bird family. at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.