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James E. Bird Jr.

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James E. Bird Jr.

James E. Bird Jr., 68, of Saint James City died unexpectedly May 30, 2011, at Lee Memorial Hospital, Fort Myers. He was born on April 15, 1943, in Philadelphia, a child of James Edwin and Mary E. (Goodwin) Bird Sr. He had lived in Florida for over 30 years and on Pine Island for over 10 years.

He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, attended Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Pa., and was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1961-1965 with time in Vietnam, Cuba and Lakehurst.

He was the former owner and CEO of Royal Unique Enterprises Inc. and retired from grounds management at Surfrider Beach Club on Sanibel in 2004.

Mr. Bird drove race cars in his youth, also was a Coast Guard-licensed captain, studied horticulture at LaSalle University Extension and was an avid fisherman and loved football and baseball.

He is survived by the love of his life, Melinda Bird of Saint James City; his nephew, Ronald D. Bird Jr. of Williamstown, N.J.; his two great-nieces, Briana and Brooke Bird of Blue Anchor, N.J.; his cousin, Gloria Foster of Orlando; aunts, uncles and many other cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his father in 1967, his mother in 1984 and his brother, Ronald D. Bird Sr., in 2008.

He will be buried at sea with military honors by the United States Coast Guard. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the American Lung Association, 3645 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 3, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Friends may sign the guest book at www.horizonfunerals.com‘>www.horizonfunerals.com.