James Lucious Byrum, Jr.

   James Lucious Byrum, Jr., 85, of 718 Ryland Road, Tyner, NC, died Sunday, October 8, 2023 in his home where he was surrounded by his family.

   Mr. Byrum was born in Chowan County on June 18, 1938 and was the son of the late James L., Sr. and Alice Chappell Byrum. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, J.L. “Luke” Byrum, IV.

   Retired from the NC Department of Transportation, he first worked in maintenance and later as a bridge tender. When not at his scheduled job, he worked as a commercial fisherman. He was raised in the fellowship of Happy Home Pentecostal Holiness Church.

   Surviving is his wife of over 65 years, Jeannette Sawyer Byrum; six daughters, Brenda Sandy (Mike) of Hertford, Sheila Layden (Jimmy), Sharon Kay Harris (Bryan), Vickie Stallings (Robert), and Amy Sawyer (Buddy), all of Belvidere, and Donna Perry (Robert) of Tyner; a son, James L. “Jimmy” Byrum, III (Catina) of Tyner; two sisters, Joyce Byrum and Dianne Winslow, both of Belvidere; 16 grandchildren, Crystal, Reneé, A.J., Nicolle, Kim, Jenny, Randy, Lisa, Jim, Robert, Leah, Chris, Matt, Larisa, Sawyer, and Faith; 22 great-grandchildren with another due in March, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

   A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 11th, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and will be conducted by the Rev. Darryl Stallings. A private burial will be at a later time in Happy Home Church Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

   The family wished to express their deep appreciation to Albemarle Home Care & Hospice for the care and comfort provided to their loved one.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.