Born September 20 1942 in Farmington, Minnesota
Departed April 1, 2024 in Palm Bay, Florida
James Edwin Birdsall passed away April 1, 2024 at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay Florida. He was surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Farmington Minnesota September 20 1942. At the age of 13, his parents moved to Lake Worth Florida. He graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1961.
While attending school he worked in retail at a large shopping area in West Palm Beach. In 1965, an owner of a men’s clothing store in the same center approached Jim to be their manager for a new store they were opening at the Bazaar Plaza in Riviera. The bookkeeper that trained him for his new position was Christy Berg. On January 8, 1967 they were married. Jim had been promoted to district sales manager for Royal Palm Clothes with stores from Daytona Beach to Hollywood Florida. Jim and Chris were looking for some type of business that they could make their own. In 1973, Christy’s mother ask them both to come work for her at her travel agency in Indialantic. She said that eventually the
business would be theirs. After several years, Jim moved on to another agency down the street. The agency was All World Travel. Jim and Chris purchased the agency in 1980 and Chris joined him shortly after that. Jim loved to sell cruises and created Cruise Quarters. He also loved his clients and many became longtime friends. He never met a stranger, always had a smile or joke for them. Jim’s sense of humor was a gift. Jim was on several advisory boards with several cruise lines. Jim’s idea of having door tags on cabins was a personal touch for his clients. So, when you cruise and see a door tag, remember who started it!
Jim is predeceased by his parents Harvey and Eleanor(Klaus) Birdsall, his son Jerry Grant(9/10/09) and his sister Nancy Gilomen(3/11/24). He is survived by his wife Joline (Chris) Birdsall, son James Jay Birdsall, his princess (granddaughter) Jaiden Marie Birdsall and beloved dog Leo, sisters Jean Ann Kerr and Barbara Gilomen both from
Minnesota, and numerous nieces and nephews and oh so many friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2 pm at the Front Street Civic Center, 2205 Front Street, Melbourne, Florida, 32901. Cruise or casual attire.
11 entries.
Amanda Parker-Silk
from Malabar wrote on April 20, 2024:
Pop, saying goodbye is never easy, especially to someone who means so much.You're not just a friend but I consider you a part of my family and a piece of my heart. I’ll miss you more than words can say and I know you are watching from above!
Miss you,
- Amanda
Bonnie Berg
from Tazewell, TN wrote on April 18, 2024:
We are all so heartbroken to lose such a beloved member of our family. Jim was a one-of-a-kind incredibly beautiful soul; he will easily be remembered for his kindness, magnetic personality, captivating stories and extraordinary sense of humor. I have always been in awe of his unique perspective in any situation always finding the most amusing part of any circumstance along with his talent for keeping his audience in stitches when he told any story about basically anything. Jim had so many talents; he was an amazing artist, singer, decorator, story-teller - too many talents to list - and his modesty simply added to his effortless charm. He was a devoted husband and father, and as his many clients will attest, a superb travel agent. Jim came into my life when I was about 6 years old…he was the closest thing I had to a father figure growing up – and I couldn’t have been more blessed with such a caring man in my life. Jim was just a phenomenal person and our world will be a sadder place without him in it. His fun-loving, kind and generous spirit will live on through his family and friends – and Jim has so many friends…when you met him, his outgoing personality would not allow you to be a stranger for long. Jim loved well and was well loved – the mark of a life truly well lived. I love you Jim and I will miss you more than words can express.
Mardie Robbins
from West Melbourne wrote on April 15, 2024:
Jim was such a great friend. Always ready with a smile and a kind word. May he rest in peace. Our prayers for his family to be comforted knowing that he is at peace with the Lord.
Ted and Priscilla Helm
from Grant Valkaria wrote on April 12, 2024:
There are many wonderful thought’s and praises expressed in those words from people who Jim has touched
. Priscilla and my experiences were primarily through cruise travel arrangements. When I called, jim always responded quickly with pertinent information. When im said he would call you right back, you better not put the phone down, because his response was swift and complete. I have never had the joy of planning/making trips with any other travel agent that I experienced with Jim. We had the good fortune to accompany Jim and Christy on a couple of cruises during which he continually kept us abreast of activities and offered great suggestions. We were invited to he and Christy’s special events which we enjoyed immensely. Even through years of physical disability and pain he was a gracious and accommodating host. His smiling face was a welcome addition to daily activities. We cherished our time with both he and Christy.
We know there will never be a better person to guide us on our travel way.
Jim we pray that you will be guided on your way to what Jesus promised: “Etaernal Life”. Have a wonderful cruise home.
Ted and Priscilla Helm
from Grant Valkaria wrote on April 12, 2024:
There are many wonderful thought’s and praises expressed herein from those people who Jim has touched
. Priscilla and my experience were primarily through cruise travel arrangements. When I called,Jjm always responded quickly with pertinent information. When Jim said he would call you right back, you better not put the phone down, because his response was swift and complete. I have never had the joy of planning/making trips with any other travel agent that I experienced with Jim. We had the good fortune to accompany Jim and Christy on a couple of cruises during which he continually kept us abreast of activities and offered great suggestions. We were invited to he and Christy’s special events which we enjoyed immensely. Even through years of physical disability and pain he was a gracious and accommodating host His smiling face was a welcome addition to daily activities. We cherished our time with both he and Christy.
We know there will never be a better person to guide us on our way.
Jim we pray that you will be guided on your way to what Jesus promised: “Etaernal Life”. Have a wonderful cruise home.
Pete & Sherry Aude’
from Rockledge wrote on April 7, 2024:
We will miss Jim! He was such a blessing to everyone who came into contact with him.
Pete loved to tease him about safety pins. On a cruise Jim decided to try the ships formal tuck rental service. When he picked it up, the pants length were too long. No time to exchange them, he used safety pins to shorten the pants.
We had to many fun tales to list.
Jim had a strong faith in his Lord so I know we’ll see you in heaven!
Bon voyage Jim
MaryAnn Zamora
from Palm Bay wrote on April 7, 2024:
Blessings to a Wonderful Man and a Loving Friend. You will always be remembered in my heart and soul. Our Lord has Welcomed an Incredible Man.
Blessings on you Jim ❤️🤗🙏
Patricia Alden
from Palm Bay wrote on April 7, 2024:
I didn't know Jim long, but I could tell that he was a great man. Everyone felt so comfortable talking and being with him. He made me feel like I was part of the group. He was well loved and will be deeply missed. So very sorry for your loss.
Mike McMurry
from Highland Beach, FL wrote on April 5, 2024:
I am so thankful that I moved to Florida in the 1980’s and met the wonderful Birdsall family. They welcomed me into their household as though I was a third son.
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at the loss of someone who was not just a friend, but a second father figure to me. Jim’s guidance, love, and presence in my life has left an indelible mark on my soul. I will forever cherish the memories we shared.
Jim, your kindness, joy and ever present wit meant more to me than words can convey. Though you may no longer be with us in body, your spirit will live on in all of the lives you've touched, including mine. Your legacy of fun and compassion will continue to inspire me every day.
There is an old song that I am thinking of right now, “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!” gives me some peace - and I am looking forward to seeing my dear, dear friend again. I love you Jim.
Mary & Jack O'Brian
from Albuquerque wrote on April 5, 2024:
Jim was a delightful friend and we will miss him greatly.
Deepest sympathy to all his family.
Ginger, Mitcheal & Kyle DuCote
from Palm Bay wrote on April 4, 2024:
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Born September 20 1942 in Farmington, Minnesota