James Robert Whitebird

James Robert Whitebird

Born: Sat., Dec. 12, 1936

Died: Fri., Sep. 19, 2014

James Robert Whitebird, 77, of St. Cloud, formerly of Cass Lake, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014 at the St. Cloud Veteran's Hospital. He was born in Onigum, on December 12, 1936 the son of Selam and Margaret (Cloud) Whitebird.

James joined the United States Air Force and served for four years. When he finished with the service he started his career with the Zenith Corporation in Chicago, IL. James was a dedicated worker who retired from the company after 40 years. While in Chicago, James had many friends. He was also faithful to the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church where he served on the Board of Directors. James developed a special spiritual relationship and bond with Father Peter Powell. He was a very kind person who loved to help people in need. When he retired, James moved back to Cass Lake and was there until he entered the St. Cloud Veteran's hospital. For the past four years James had many friends who he took care of while he was in the hospital. Everyone there thought very highly of him. He will be sadly missed by all he knew and helped.

James was preceded in death by his parents Selam and Margaret, two brothers; Elmer and Donald Whitebird, sister; Eunice Fineday, adopted son; Scott Koonce and one nephew Charles Fineday.

He is survived by his sister; Gloria (Rogelio) Mellado from Cass Lake, aunt; Nancy Whitebird of Cass Lake, nephew; Rogelio "Ross" Mellado of Cass Lake, nieces; Karen Mellado of Cass Lake, Karen Fineday of Cass Lake, Gloria Fineday of Pennington, and Margaret Bryan of Squaw Lake, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A wake service for James will begin at 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2014 and will continue until the 11:00 a.m. service on Tuesday, September 23rd, all at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Cass Lake. Father John S. Rock will officiate. Pallbearers for James will be: Doug Bryan, Jr., Russell Bryan, III, Randall Stangler, Rogelio "Ross" Mellado, Ronald Harrison, Jr., and Robert Harrison. Alternate pallbearers are Scott Whitebird and George Grant, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be: Harry Morris, Eugene "Ribs" Whitebird, Nancy Whitebird, Joyce Headbird, Lorraine Day, and all the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Team at Building 51 second floor. Interment will be held in the Prince of Peace Cemetery at Mission/Cass Lake following the service on Tuesday. Military honors will be accorded by the Leech Lake Honor Guard Post 2001.

James' care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com