James W. Baird

Canandaigua – James W. Baird, age 93, formerly of Rochester, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Donna (Nielsen) Baird; daughter, Kerry (Vincent) Smartt of Canandaigua; son, Dr. Kevin C. Baird (Dr. Jennifer Cornish) of Berkeley, CA; granddaughter, Morgan Baird of Berkeley, CA; cousin, Joyce (Gene) Moffitt of Rochester; and several other relatives in Canada and Ireland. He was predeceased by his uncle, Isaac (Gladys) Kerr; and aunt, Alice (John) Deedee.
Jim was born in Canandaigua and was the son of Thomas and Nellie (Kerr) Baird. His first job was at the age of 12 as a paper boy for the Democrat and Chronicle. Jim was proud of the fact that he once sold a newspaper to Frank Gannett. He was a graduate of Monroe High School, class of 1949 and was a graduate of Syracuse University, class of 1955. Jim was a US Army Veteran, serving in the Korean War with the CIA from 1955-1957. He joined the Lincoln Bank as a trainee, working his way up to manager of the Corning Branch. Jim later became Regional Manager of several other branches of Lincoln Bank. In 1977, Jim made a career change and moved to Canandaigua. He started teaching Business courses at Finger Lakes Community College and in 2001, at the age of 70, retired as a full professor.
During retirement, Jim was happy to stay busy. He served on the Hopewell Town Board, enjoyed traveling and with the help of his son-in-law and nephews, planted hundreds of Blue Spruce trees on his Lincoln Hill property. Jim was happy living in 'The Chosen Spot'. He loved his job and had great neighbors. Jim followed his children's school activities and eventually saw them become successful in their chosen careers. He will be deeply missed.
Jim's family would like to express their appreciation for the care and comfort he received at F. F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua.
Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to 4-H Camp Bristol Hills, c/o Cornell Cooperative Extension, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or online at https://cceontario.org/4-h-camp-bristol-hills/donate-to-the-hilltop-campership-fund. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.