James “Jim” George Birdwell

James “Jim” George Birdwell passed away and went to his eternal home on Friday, June 22, 2012. He was born July 18, 1946, in Harlem, Mont. He grew up in Coulee Dam and graduated in 1964 from Coulee Dam High School. Jim retired from the United States Army as a Sergeant First Class where he served with distinction over 20 years, also serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. After his military duty, Jim continued his service to our country as a Department of the Army civilian, instructing soldiers for over 20 years on their military occupational specialty. Jim touched thousands of lives through his service in the military, from his service as a DOD civilian to working as a volunteer assistant Fire Chief in Grovetown, Ga.

Jim was preceded by his parents, the late George and Joyce Birdwell and his brother Robert Birdwell.

He is survived by his wife Irma Brigitte Birdwell of Columbia, S.C.; sons: Jeffrey Alexander Birdwell, Lutz-Martin Birdwell and Jamie Payton; daughter, Sheri Payton; a sister and brother-in-law Faye and Donald Bodeau; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Julanne Birdwell; sister Carmen Lofton; grandchildren: Tylyr, Tamar, Vanessa, Jacob, Samantha, Sarah and Farah; as well as several nieces and a nephew.

The eulogy was held June 26 at Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel. After the services concluded Jim was buried at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations of remembrance be made to the Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Care, 220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 105, Columbia, S.C. 29210.

The family has entrusted Greenlawn Funeral Home with the arrangements.