James Ross Byrne, Sunnydell, Idaho, passed away peacefully April 14, 2009, in Rexburg, Idaho, at the age of 91, from causes incident to age. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho, November 19, 1917, to James Byrne and Mary Hopkins Byrne.

He spent his entire life on the farm that his father purchased in 1895 where he farmed and raised sheep and cattle. Ross married Lila Joyce Squires December 21, 1939. They raised 4 children on this same farm. Ross contributed much to the farm and ranch industry during his career. He saw farming progress from two-horse teams to a 450 horsepower tractor. He served in many leadership capacities including the Palisades Water Users (40 years) and the Idaho Cattlemen's Association. His love of the land has been apparent in the innovative farming methods and conservative grazing practices he used. He was one of the first to put a sprinkler system in the area and has been recognized as grass man of the year. He had a reputation for always having well-trained horses and cattle dogs.

Ross is survived by his wife, Lila Joyce, four children, James Laurence (Marilee) Byrne of Italy, Texas, JoAnn (Jerry) Cramer of Rigby, Idaho, Louise Twitchell of Sunnydell, Idaho, and Marie (Bob) Shaffer of Mackay, Idaho, 13 grandchildren, and 40 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Grace Parkinson, Lucille Holley, and Ann Flamm, and one great granddaughter, Lilly Orr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009, in the Sunnydell/Archer Ward chapel. The family will meet with friends Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Sunnydell/Archer chapel prior to services. Burial will be in the Sutton Cemetery.