Captain II, Fire Station 96-C
Deceased:
June 21, 2020
Appointed:
05/16/1977
Pensioned:
11/29/2001 – FS 96C
Services:
TBA
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Kevin Kearns says
I am in complete shock. I worked with Jim in Batt.3 and our careers kept crossing throughout, as well as our personal lives.
When I was in Recruit Training Jim was the Guru for Physical Fitness. We would talk on a daily basis.
His son was the Quarterback at Simi High School and my son played against him. I would look forward to seeing Jim at the game.
A few years ago his son went through the Oxnard Fire Academy where I teach. Jim and I talked at the graduation. His son now works for Glendale Fire.
My daughter played Softball both High School and College and I would see Jim. I remember when his daughter hit 2 Home Runs in the College World Series and ESPN showed Jim in the stands holding both balls with a giant smile across his face.
I am so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the entire family.
RIP Jim, you have left an Awesome legacy behind.
Jack 'Ed' Sandell says
Jim was my captain in Chatsworth…but he was much more than that to me. We became very good friends. Jim was a football guy…but I did not hold that against him. haha. I like baseball! When Jim first got sick…I visited him at his home, and then later the care facility. We laughed and reminisced just like always…even though he was getting a bit forgetful. That didn’t matter to me. Of course, he wore his heart on his sleeve. Some guys got tired of him talking about Suzi and the kids at work. I admired that. Lastly, he was my only boss that drove out to Camarillo to watch me coach my boys in baseball. He just had a good heart. RIP Jim.
Mike Littleton says
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He and I met when I was running the women’s Pre-Training Academy at Westlake. Jim had developed the physical fitness module of the program and was running it with Fernando Villacana(sp). The Fire Department owes Jim a great debt of gratitude for his dedication to the Women’s Pre-Training Academy and the results he was instrumental in achieving for those who participated in it.
My condolences to his family. God Speed,Jim!
Rick Erquiaga says
I met Jim in 1979. A friend of a friend had recommended that I talk to Jim about a carrier in the Fire Service. Jim and others mentored me and opened the door to my own career on the LAFD. I have since tried to do the same for others who showed interest and promise in the Fire Service. Thank You, Jim. My Condolences to the Bird Family.
Rick Erquiaga
Kris Larson says
I am sorry to hear about this loss. Jim was at Westlake pre-training when I was applying for the Fire Department. He was very supportive and encouraging as I went through the hiring process. He was tough but very fair, wanting only the best from the women he mentored and who he know would eventually make it onto the Department. My condolences to the Bird family.
Dave Murray says
Jimmy was my friend. He was so smart. He never mentioned his many accomplishments. We met at FS 37 in 1981 and have been friends since. He couldn’t do enough for his friends. He fought his toughest battle against Alzheimer’s. I miss him terribly. Rest peacefully Jimmy. Until we meet again.
Jack 'Ed' Sandell says
Dave, I think your comments are very good! One of Jim’s accomplishments was when he was in high school. Jim was a big-time running back! His listed size his senior year was 5’7′ and 150 lbs. Talk about heart…
Craig E Evans says
What a great guy and innovative thinker. Jim was always thinking out of the box and endlessly finding ways to make whatever he touched better, more successful and creating a safer community. Jim and I were young captains back in the late 1980s, and together opened the newly reconstructed FS55. For generations the dry hills of El Sereno (and most of the eastside) would burn every spring. Started by the local youth, Jim envisioned an educational program to help break the annual hill-burning cycle. With his ever-persuasive personality, Jim pulled me in and we developed the ‘Grass Fire Prevention Program’ that eventually reached 40,000 LAUSD students with the support of Carl’s Jr, Tommy Lasorda, KNBC and many others. Over the following 3-years, grass fires dramatically dropped. And for the most part those stats remain today. As stated by others above, Jim went on to use his Masters of Science in Kinesiology to assist in the recruitment and training of women onto the LAFD. RIP Jim, the world is a better place because of your being a part. You have been a blessing to many and have left the imprint of your wonderful spirit on so many that you touched. God bless to the family.
Gary Hight says
This one really hurts! I first met and worked with Jim at 37’s. A real first class guy and Fireman! He was my dear friend, and his wife Suzy. He was the best cook in the house and always ready ready to help. Coaching rookies our the Captains with their small chores! He hurriedly shut our Bay door on the truck and trashed it with the Tillerman and windshield Bucket! He was so afraid to think that he’d hurt someone. A Great man and world class! He was my friend.
Dan Carlin says
Jim befriend me in kindergarten, and we grew up together in the West San Fernando Valley. He indeed was a football star at Reseda High school despite his smaller size, which he overcame by running like famed L.A. Ram Crazy-Legs Hirsch. You just couldn’t tackle those legs, so he had to be brought down by his torso–no easy feat when those locomotive legs kept churning. Soon after he acquired his driver’s license, Jim came by my house to pick me up. I wasn’t home, so he continued on his way, only to have his car struck by the train at Wilbur and Topham. He only received minor injuries, but the car was totaled, including the passenger side which was demolished from the impact. From then on, Jimmy proudly bragged about having saved my life for NOT picking me up. Jim was very proud of his service as a firefighter and Fire Captain II. When my wife was teaching at Our Lady of Grace Elementary School in the late 80s, she asked him if he could bring by a fire truck for the kids to see. He managed to arrive with two engines, including a hook-and-ladder, all sirens blazing. In later years, he and I drove competing Porsches up the mountain to Lake Arrowhead (my vacation home) and Big Bear (his and Suzi’s place). This is a guy who just won’t be replaced, and I’m blessed to have enjoyed his loyal friendship for nearly 70 years. RIP, my hero.
Rosemary Nord says
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing and to know he had been affected with Alzheimers. He was a true gentleman.