James Robert Birge, 81, a resident of Hardee County for 60 years passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022. He was born on January 26, 1941, in Black, Alabama. James was a Protestant by faith and proudly served in the Army National Guard. He was Machinist with Rambler Auto, (Grimsley Motors), and NAPA-Polk Auto Parts, he then started his own business Wauchula Machine Shop which was in business for over 40 years. James is preceded in death by his father, Zephie Birge; mother, Claudie Birge; brothers, Buford Birge, Mildon Birge, Ray Birge, and Hubert Birge; and sisters, Annie Ruth Williams and Lois Green. He is survived by his wife, Sue Birge of Wauchula, Fl.; son, Robert Bryan Birge of Sebring, Fl; daughter, Joya Birge of Bowling Green, Fl.; and his grandchildren, Terra Birge of North Port, Fl.; Carter Birge of Wauchula, Fl., and Brayla Birge of Wauchula, Fl. The Family will be holding a Gathering of Family and Friends (Casual Dress) in honor of James Robert Birge on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. at Wauchula Machine Shop 212 N. Florida Ave Wauchula, Florida 33873.