James Gerard Byrne's Obituary
James Gerard Byrne, 90, formerly of Madison, VA, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at The Culpeper. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, Catechist, Servant of God, teacher, farmer, and conservationist. He was born July 26, 1934, to the late James and Rose Byrne in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother to his children, Ann Teresa Linahan; his second wife, Phyllis Kernan Byrne; and his brother, William Byrne. James is survived by his sons: James J. Byrne (Laura, deceased), John J. Byrne (Emily), Christopher A. Byrne, and Phillip A. Byrne (Michelle); his step-children, Michael V. Kubik (Carole) and Erika L. Glass (Eric); his grandchildren, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Leah, Owen, Claire, and PJ; and a host of extended family and friends.
James served in the US Army Reserve as a 2nd Lieutenant and in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and then went on to earn his Master’s. He dedicated his career to environmental conservation, working for the US Department of Agriculture in Watershed Management and Air Quality for the Western continental United States. After retiring, he pursued his passion for agriculture by running a beef cattle farm in Madison, VA, where he enjoyed working the land and caring for his livestock. He also served as Associate Director for Madison County in the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, and as 1st Vice President of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, working to promote responsible land and water management. His dedication to stewardship – both of the environment and his farm – was a reflection of his lifelong commitment to hard work and sustainability. He will be remembered for his love of the land, his contributions to conservation, and his enduring legacy in both public service and farming.
Beyond his professional and civic contributions, James was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in skiing, birdwatching, hunting, shooting, and archery, and sharing his love of the outdoors with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, and savoring fine wine and a good steak. His adventurous spirit and passion for nature were matched by his enthusiasm for life, making every moment one to be cherished.
His faith was strong, deep-rooted, and devout in all that he did and in every encounter that he had. James served God to the fullest, especially in the communities of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Culpeper, VA and Our Lady of the Blue Ridge Catholic Church in Madison, VA. He devoted so much to the ministries of the Church, especially with Knights of Columbus, CCD/Religious Education programs, youth programs, Cursillo, Charismatic prayer groups, prison ministry, RCIA, altar serving, and more. He was also a certified Master Catechist.
Special thanks to Carol, Susan, Lisa, Hilary, Joanna and Vince, Tomas and Suzanne, Brian, Darren, Marc and Ana, Bob and Joan and other community friends and helpers, Fr. Kevin Walsh, Fr. Joseph Vu, the Extraordinary Ministers, and other ministers of PBCC and OLBR, Kris and the professional and caring staff of Hospice of Piedmont, Rachel and the professional and caring staff of The Culpeper.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 114 E. Edmondson Street, Culpeper, VA with Fr. Kevin Walsh officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Inurnment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 E. Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA 22701 with military honors provided by VFW Post 2524.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Epiphany School, 1211 E Grandview Ave, Culpeper, VA 22701 with check memo: Jim Byrne Contribution.
Donate online at: https://epiphany.betterworld.org/campaigns/memorial-fund-jimbyrne .
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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