James Baird

James E. Baird, 71 of Belgrade passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at his home. Jim was born December 2, 1938 in Estelline, South Dakota, to Glenn and Lucile (Montgomery) Baird. Following World War II the family settled in Newcastle, Wyoming. Jim and his siblings grew up in Newcastle. After graduation from high school, he attended business school in Minneapolis. His extreme enthusiasm for life was shown in his career in sales. He and his family settled in California where they lived from 1967 to 2000. While working in the motorcycle industry as regional and national sales manager he had added duties of recruiting and developing young racers into national and world champions. These champions hold records that stand to this day. He was reacquainted with Amy Berdahl in 1999, and they have been together since 2000. Upon his retirement, Jim enjoyed golfing, meeting new people, and storytelling. He never met a stranger and loved debating politics. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Amy and her family; daughter; Cindy (Larry) Snyder of Redwood City, CA; son, Jim (Tammy) Baird of Benecia, CA; step-daughter, Michelle (Patrick) Falco of Spokane, WA; brothers, Jerry Baird of Newcastle and Glenn #8220;David#8221; (Susan) Baird of Torrance, CA; sister Diane (Doug) Baird-Hudson of Newcastle, WY; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm with viewing between 1:00 and 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held in Newcastle, WY. Memorials made to: Hospice c/o Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931 Highland Blvd, Ste. 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715.