James Clayton Baird

James Clayton Baird, 88, died peacefully with family by his side on August 2, 2025, from complications of COVID 19.
Jim Baird was many things over the course of his life - he played football and ran track at the University of Nebraska, earned an MBA from University of Chicago, was an ambitious graduate looking to carve out a name for himself in the investment industry, a meticulous planner, voracious reader, car lover and racket sport player, to name a few - but he is defined by three things: his love and commitment to his family, his unflinching faith and his passion for fly fishing.
Jim's world revolved around his family, especially his bride of 60 years, Gloria Baird. If his family was around him, he was content, and he frequently said as much.
Jim was a man of deep faith. He believed in eternal life which was purchased for us by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He wasn't afraid to die. He was an 88 year old who lived life to its absolute fullest because he knew what is promised to those who walk in Christ's footsteps.
Perhaps the first two were informed by his third passion. Fly fishing takes patience, practice, and a whole lot of faith, especially on those freezing-cold mornings when the only sign of life is your own frosted breath. While Jim caught his fair share of fish, I suspect, if pressed, he would tell you the many hours spent on the river were equally an avenue for deep bonding and focused time with people he cared about, most recently his grandson, Jack Baird.
Jim is survived by his wife Gloria Baird; children, Dr. Stephen (Janeen) Baird, Stephanie Baird and Jeffrey (Stefanie) Baird; grandchildren Jack Baird and the late Madeleine Baird. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Kathryn Baird, and brother Steve Baird.
A private family Funeral Mass was held at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale, followed by burial at Bronswood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would direct donations to the Madeleine Kathryn Baird Scholarship Fund at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.