James Whiting Baird

James Whiting Baird was born to James Condie Baird and Evelyn Mae Whiting Baird on April 14, 1957 in Hamilton, Montana. He was the third of six children.

Jim lived an adventurous and private life. In 1974, Jim joined the Army along with his older brother Dave. After his time with the military, Jim worked as a volunteer for the US Forest Service, assisting with clearing trees around power lines in forest areas. This was his start of a great love affair with the outdoors and mountains. Eventually, Jim started a tree trimming business in Colorado.

Throughout his life, Jim has had a multitude of jobs including working for the local mortuary as a teenager, moving pipe for a local farm, laundry services for Yellowstone National Park, Manager of a HalfWay House in Missoula, Montana, and Weekend Manager for a storage unit facility in Eugene, Oregon.

While Jim did not graduate from high school, he did go on to gain a GED as well as a Bachelors of Science in Sociology, advocating for the homeless.

Jim had a love for jigsaw puzzles and retreating to the mountains for solitude. He will be missed greatly by those who loved him most and those whose lives he touched.

Jim is survived by his brothers Murray (Julie) of Burley, Idaho and Robert ‘Bob’ (Lori) of Kearns, Utah, and by his sister Mary Burris of Pocatello, Idaho. He is also survived by brother-in-law Lenn (Jolene) Holyoak of Dallas, Texas, as well as nieces and nephews Lenae Allen, Lyle Holyoak, Lyman Holyoak, Dave William Baird, James John Baird, Kendra Baird, Katie Nielsen, and Kiefer Baird. He is also survived by his two best friends, Connie and Frazier.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Evelyn Baird, sister Lennox Holyoak, brother Dave Whiting Baird, and sister-in-laws Diane Baird and Marjorie Baird.

The Baird family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to cousin Karen Trumbull and Enhabit Hospice for giving his final days some grace and dignity.

A Celebration of Life to honor Jim will be held for family and close friends on May 31, 2025 in Burley, Idaho.