James Lee Baird, 62, of Morrisonville, died on Sept. 15, 2023.
No public services will be planned, as Mr. Baird never liked being the center of attention. The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville with arrangements.
Mr. Baird was born Sept. 13, 1961, in Warrensburg, MO, the son of Bill and Jane (Traughber) Baird. His early childhood was spent overseas in Spain and Morrocco, while his father served in the United States Air Force. After returning stateside, Mr. Baird grew up in and around Clarksdale, and graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 1979.
After graduation, Mr. Baird enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Camp Casey in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division. On Feb. 27, 1982, Mr. Baird married Kayla Klinger at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrisonville. Together they shared 41 years of marriage, and raised their five children.
Mr. Baird 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. Mr. Baird 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.
Visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Mr. Baird, or to offer condolences to his family.
