James “Jim” Baird

James “Jim” Baird age 51, of Gowen, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids after a short illness under the care of hospice. He was born September 25, 1965 in Greenville, the son of Theodore R. and Karen H. (Rosendal) Baird. After he graduated from Greenville High School in 1984, he worked in Grand Rapids doing tool grinding and started his own tool grinding business. Jim’s many years of his longstanding illness did not stop him from building his home in Gowen while loving the surrounding woods, wildlife and lakes. Jim is survived by his mother Karen Baird of Greenville; brother Martin Baird of Greenville; sister in law Kami Baird; nieces Katy Hradsky, Emily Baird, Kerry and Sherry Ashbrook; nephews Nick Baird and Bob Ashbrook and by his many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Theodore Baird, brother Edward Baird, aunt Saralee Ashbrook Morgan, uncle Wallace “Billy” Rosendal, special great aunt Helen Rawling who sold him his first car for $1, grandparents Wallace & Madeline Rosendal and Edward & Jane Baird, cousins Ted Soules and Maryann Ashbrook and also by aunts and uncles Betty, Vivian, Dorothy and Rich. A Celebration of His Life Luncheon will be held at the Greenville American Legion Post #101 from 12 NOON till 2 PM on Monday, February 20, 2017.