Michael James Bird

Michael James Bird 1942-2024

Long-time Grants Pass lawyer, businessman, community leader, and friend-to-many Michael J. Bird died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 22, 2024.

Michael is survived by his wife of 46 years, Katherine Bird; sons Sterling R. Bird and Ryal T. Bird; stepsons Robert D. Christman and Ashlee R. Christman; siblings Martha Bird Roberts; John Bird (Jo Ann Jennings), David (Lori); and Susan Bird; brother-in-law Edmond Rodriguez (Giti), sisters-in-law Inez Doerter and Terry McDonald (Ed); grandchildren Sterling Bird, Spencer Bird (Anabel), Sabrina Paton (Blake), Blue Christman, Ali Christman, McKenna Christman, Abbie Christman, and Astrid Ranneberg, in addition to several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by former wife Janet Lorimor Bird, parents Mike and Agnes Bird; and his beloved grandparents.

Michael has had an enterprising spirit since his youth—business owner, lawyer, Oregon rock and silica entrepreneur, business strategy and planning, among other interests—but his love has been his volunteer community activities and good citizenship. In recent years his special interests have included the arts field and working in the local arts with his wife. He was an active member of several community organizations and special causes. He was a devoted member of his church, St. Anne Catholic Church in Grants Pass. He was also an initial and continuing supporter of St. Rita's Retreat Center in Rogue River. He was a long-time photographer, sharing his work far and wide.

Michael was born in 1942 at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas—where in 1917 his father was born. He graduated from Hays High School in 1960. He earned a degree In Business Administration/Minor in Economics at Fort Hays Kansas State University in 1968 and completed his Juris Doctorate law degree at the University of Oregon in 1971.

While Michael lived away from Hays and the Bird Family Farm for most of his adult life, he retained his birthplace as an essential, continuing part of his life, legacy, and spirit.

Funeral services will be at St. Anne Catholic Church on Monday, October 14. Rosary recitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Presiding will be Fr. Michael Walker. A reception will follow at 12 noon at Si Casa Flores restaurant, 202 NE Beacon Drive, Grants Pass.