James Birdwell

Heaven welcomed James M. Birdwell (Jim) Friday January 28, 2022. Jim lived a long and fulfilling life helping others and making them smile.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on August 26, 1926 to Jesse Birdwell and Lula Dyer, Jim spent most of his younger life with his grandparents, Birch and Ada Dyer in Monticello, Florida. Jim was 10 years old when he began helping in his grandpa’s gristmill. His grandpa taught him how to make furniture and, at the age of 10, he was building beautiful pieces by himself.

Jim was very proud of his service with the US Navy during World War II where he achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. A natural “wheeler & dealer”, he spent much of his adult life working in a grocery store. When he got out of the service, he worked for A&P Grocery Stores in Jacksonville, Florida & became Assistant Manager. In Tennessee & Georgia, he was a master stone cutter for monument companies. When he moved west, he returned to working for grocery stores. He owned and operated A&J Market in Fort Hall, Idaho until his retirement in 1994. Always ready to help anyone with anything, family and friends will always remember him for his big heart, his love for camping, fishing, playing cards and the tasty fish fry dinners only he knew how to make.

He was well accomplished in many organizations; a past Master of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge #257, a life member of the American Legion, a past Worshipful Master at Mt. Kinport Masonic Lodge #95, a member of Scottish Rite and York Rite, past President of the Southern Idaho Shrine Club and past President of the Jokers (Shrine Clowns of Pocatello, ID).

Jim loved his time as “Nickel” the Shrine Clown. He loved making balloon creations and making everyone smile. He enjoyed volunteering his time, collecting stuffed animals and donations for the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Lula, father Jesse, brothers, Bill, Gilbert and Robert, Arlette Nichols (17 years of marriage), Aulene Van Sickle (21 years of marriage), Val Lewis-Birdwell (28 years of marriage) sons James Birdwell Jr., Terry Van Sickle, Dee Van Sickle.

Jim is survived by his children Debra Winkler, Vonnie Bitton, Jennifer Womack, John Birdwell, stepchildren Lori Kreisher, Joe Lewis, Lisa Lewis, Shellie Lewis and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At Colonial Chapel, 2005 South 4th, Pocatello, ID a viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 5pm - 7pm and funeral services to follow on Thursday February 3, 2022 at 1pm with a viewing starting at 12 pm, also at Colonial. Internment, with Military Honors, following at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name, directly to the Shriners Hospital, 1275 Fairfax Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.

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