James "Jim" L. Baird

James L. Baird, Jr., 88, of Canton, passed away on December 4, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born on December 11, 1934, in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late James L. and Nellie (Shooks) Baird.

He was a graduate of the former Timken High School and was also a graduate of the University of Akron where he earned his associate degree.

Jim worked as a mechanical engineer for most of his adult life and was employed by Winters Industries where he retired from.

He was a lifelong member of the Canton YMCA where he enjoyed exercising and seeing familiar faces every day.

Jim also loved gardening and took great pride in keeping his yard maintained.

Above all, he was a loving husband and father and a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, known best as “Papa”.

Jim will be deeply missed by his children Sheila Nickles and John (Debra) Baird; grandchildren Natalie (Matthew) Nickles-Simpson, Ava Baird, Audrey Baird and Jake Baird; great-grandson Cooper Simpson; and brother Bryce Corbin.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Hoff) Baird, his son Joseph Baird and his son-in-law William “Bill” Nickles.

A private service will be held for the immediate family at a later date and Jim will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Burial Park with his wife and son.