James Baird

James Baird, 94 of Naples, FL and formerly of Jaffrey, NH died peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Solaris Imperial Healthcare in Naples, FL after a period of failing health.

Mr. Baird was born in Jaffrey on August 17, 1923. He and his twin sister Jennie agreed it was a good idea to make their appearance at their Squantum family home during the Sesquicentennial parade and became known as the Sesquicentennial twins.

Jim was the son of Iker C and Mary A Baird. He attended Jaffrey schools graduating from Conant High in 1941. Following graduation he worked for Annett Box logging and working in the saw mill. Local businesses were reluctant to hire recent graduates because they could soon be drafted into the Military. Thinking along the same lines, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. After basic training in Florida he attended Army Air Forces technical training at Scott Field, IL where he graduated from Radio Operators & Maintenance School. He was then assigned to the 369th Bombardment Squadron stationed in England. During the next 29 months of World War II he performed duties as Radio Operator on B-17 aircraft and ground based Radio Navigation operations. After the victory in Europe, Jim flew multiple missions in B-17s aerial mapping the African Continent to be used during any future wars. During his military service he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1946.

After the War Jim was employed as a truck driver delivering children’s furniture made in Jaffrey to New York City, Jaffrey School district, United Church of Jaffrey, and the United State Postal Service. During his employment with the Post Office he was office seen waiting for the last truck to arrive on Christmas Eve and would then drive around town to assure all presents would arrive.
He retired from the Post Office in 1986 after 12 years of service.

Jim enjoyed all facets of life and was especially skilled in wood working. One of his favorite things to do to relax was spend the day on his favorite trout stream or a night of hornpout fishing.

Jim’s organizational affiliations included being a Life Member of the American Legion John Humiston Post #11 where he was a previous Post Commander and Adjutant. He was also a lifetime member of Jaffrey Memorial VFW Post #5163, and the Masonic Charity Lodge #18 in Jaffrey.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Judy of Naples, FL; his sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Barbara Baird of Naples, FL and Friendship, ME, and Michael and Sandra Baird of Mustang, OK; his three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was pre-deceased on December 26, 2017 by the love of his life, Lucille, after 71 years of marriage. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 12 of his siblings; Priscilla Ely, Clarence Baird, Helena Baird, his Twin Jennie, Elizabeth Duval, Donald Baird, Bertha Scanlon, John Baird, and Raymond Baird. Also by three half-siblings; Earl Baird, Nellie Patton and Florence Baird.

He was a member of First Congregational Church of Naples and while in Jaffrey, the United Church of Jaffrey.

Jim was a member of the Collier County “Lucky Sevens” Honor Flight November 7, 2015 to Washington, D.C. celebrating the 70th anniversary of VE Day. The flight took 70 WWII veterans and their chaperones on the flight. Upon the late night return they were welcomed home at the airport by 1000’s of Military, Law Enforcement and family well wishers

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Collier County Honor Flights, PO Box 8001 Naples, FL 34101.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family and announced at a later date.