Mr. James Baird

James E. Baird, 71 of Belgrade, MT passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at his home. Jim was born December 2, 1938 in Estelline, South Dakota, to Glenn and Lucile (Montgomery) Baird. Following World War II the family settled in Newcastle, Wyoming where he and his siblings grew up. After graduation from Newcastle High School in 1957, he attended business college in Minneapolis. His extreme enthusiasm for life was shown in his long career in sales. After a brief time in Brookings, SD and Omaha, NE, he and his family settled in California where they lived from 1967 to 2000. Jim and his children loved motorcycling and spent every available weekend camping and riding their dirt bikes. While working in the motorcycle industry as regional and national sales manager he had added duties of recruiting and developing young racers into national and world champions. These champions hold records that stand to this day.

Jim was reacquainted with Amy Berdahl in 1999, and upon his retirement in 2000, he joined Amy in Montana. In retirement, Jim enjoyed golfing, meeting new people, and storytelling. He never met a stranger and loved debating politics.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Amy and her family; his daughter; Cindy (Larry) Snyder of Redwood City, CA; son, Jim (Tammy) Baird of Benecia, CA; step-daughter, Michelle (Patrick) Falco of Spokane, WA; brothers, Jerry Baird of Newcastle and Glenn David (Susan) Baird of Torrance, CA; sister Diane (Doug) Baird Hudson of Newcastle, WY; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 4:30 pm with viewing between 4 and 4:30 pm on Monday, October 18, 2010 at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to attend a reception at the Baird Hudson home at 1801 McArthur (west end of McArthur) for food and fellowship. Memorials made to: Hospice c/o Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931 Highland Blvd, Ste. 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Cemetery Details