James Lee Baird

September 13, 1961 ~ September 15, 2023
Born in:
Warrensburg, Missouri
Resided in:
Morrisonville, Illinois
James Lee Baird, 62, of Morrisonville, left this world on September 15, 2023.
Jim was born September 13, 1961, in Warrensburg, MO, the son of Bill and Jane (Traughber) Baird. His early childhood was spent overseas in Spain and Morocco, while his father served in the United States Air Force. After returning stateside, Jim grew up in and around Clarksdale, and graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 1979.
After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Camp Casey in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division. On February 27, 1982, Jim married Kayla Klinger at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrisonville. Together they shared 41 years of marriage, and have raised their five children.
Jim was known for his work ethic. Over the years he worked for Johnson Township, Christian County FS, Echlin Inc., owned and operated Baird’s Seamless Gutters, and was most recently an over the road truck driver. Jim loved nature, fishing, hunting, and occasionally trespassing on his adventures.
He is survived by his parents, Bill and Jane of Taylorville; wife, Kayla of Morrisonville; children, J.R. (Tracy), Levi (Mady), Scott, Kurtis, and Tatum; grandson, Liam; siblings, Bonnie (David) Hoffert, Jeff (Susan), and Janis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
No public services will be planned, as Jim never liked being the center of attention.
The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville with arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Jim, or to offer condolences to his family.
May the Lord comfort you during this time.
Great parents and family.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family
It was a blessing to go to school with kind hearted Jim. I know he made an impact and was a good friend to many in our Class of 79. We will honor him at our next reunion along with other classmates gone too soon. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I went school with jim. I remember that he was always so quiet. I’m sure no matter he was feeling he never complained.
Was saddened when I heard Jim had passed. Friends in high school even double dated to prom once.
Sorry life was cut short Jim will be missed. One of the good ones from the class of 79.
Victor Mullins
I am so sorry for your loss. Please always remember the wonderful times with family, I’m sure there are so many and they were so special. Thank you always for a special Christmas favor for my mother, myself, and my family.
Always indebted and Love Always,
Stephen Reindl
Sorry for the lose of your handsome son, Jane. We were classmates in 1957. – Mary Beth Durbin