James Truman Baird

James "Truman" BairdNovember 15, 1938 – December 4, 2024
James "Truman" Baird, age 86, passed away on December 4, 2024, after a courageous 25-year battle with cancer. Truman was born on November 15, 1938, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Layman Baird and Jean Swenson Baird. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Carson Obermire, in 2024, and is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda Wonser, his brothers Duane Baird and Robert Baird, and family who loved him dearly.
Truman led a life filled with love, adventure, and countless memories. He and Linda shared a wonderful journey together, traveling the world and creating memories in places like Australia, Egypt, India, Germany, Italy, Russia, France, London, Hungary, Prague, the Mediterranean, and more. Truman was fortunate enough to visit every U.S. state, except Alaska.
A 1956 graduate of Woodburn High School, Truman went on to attend Willamette University in Salem, graduating in 1961. During his time there, he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity, creating lifelong friendships with six brothers, who remained close friends for over 60 years. After graduating, Truman served in the Army and was stationed in Taiwan, where he worked in Security.
Truman's professional career was marked by his dedication to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, where he worked for the University of Oregon in the Facilities Services Division at the Chancellor's office from 1966 until his retirement in 1996. An avid Duck fan, Truman supported his team with great passion, attending many away games, holding season tickets for men's and women's basketball, football, baseball, and softball games, and hosting many vibrant tailgate parties. He was a proud lifetime member of the Oregon Club.
Outside of work, Truman was deeply involved in his community and enjoyed participating in various clubs and organizations. He was a past president of the Active 20-30 Club, a member of Veterans Club, a blood and platelet donor, an active member of the bowling league,and a regular golfer. His volunteerism extended to the Oregon Community Credit Union (U-Lane-O), where he served on numerous committees and as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 2006. He was also a dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church, where his faith and relationship with God were central to his life.
Above all, Truman cherished his family. He often said that his life was full of love, and he felt blessed by the wonderful parents, brothers, children, and grandchildren that surrounded him. He took great pride in being a father and was incredibly proud of his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved being present and cheering on his kids, and then grandchildren at their sporting events, and his support was unwavering.
Truman leaves behind his wife, Linda, his brothers, Duane (Arleen) Baird, Bob (Sharon) Baird, and his children: Steven (Christine) Baird, Stephanie (Gerry) Lloyd, Michael Baird, Robin (Gary) Obermire, and Ryan (Robyn) Wonser. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Tanner (Chelsea) Baird, Codey Baird, Zachery, Andrew, and Grace Joseph, Chandler Obermire, Carson Obermire (deceased 2024), and Ryder and Bella Wonser. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren: Kaiyah, Ezrah, and Laylah Baird, and Braeden and Logan Joseph.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Room. Friends and family are invited to share stories and memories of Truman, celebrating the remarkable life he lived. Truman will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Truman will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to call him family and friend.
Arrangements are entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary.