Jim Baer

James "Jim" Baer

October 6, 1935 – October 18, 2025

James "Jim" Baer was born in Van Wert, Ohio, on October 6, 1935, the twelfth of thirteen children born to Logan Ray Baer and Pearl Agnes Strohl.

Jim attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in geology in 1956. After graduation, he worked in Idaho on the construction of the Brown Lee and Oxbow dams before serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Athay. The two were married in the Salt Lake Temple and shared 59 wonderful years together.

Jim completed his master's degree and began his career with Humble Oil and Refining, which took his young family from Utah to Texas and eventually to Tripoli, Libya. After three years abroad, they returned to BYU, where Jim earned his Ph.D. and later became a beloved geology professor. He taught at BYU for many years and also taught religion classes, forming lifelong friendships with colleagues and students alike.

A man of deep faith and compassion, Jim loved people and had a special gift for connecting with others. He was known for his thoughtful questions, genuine interest, and warm sense of humor. He served faithfully as bishop in both a married student ward and later in his home ward, once remarking that "if you don't get it right the first time, you have to do it again." Jim and Ruth also served joyfully together as service missionaries in South Provo for two and a half years.

Jim is survived by his children Susan Jenkins (Cory), Larry Baer (Holly), Cindy Baer, and Lisa Baer; sisters-in-law Lois Linnell and Rosemary Baer; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Baer; daughter, Julie Baer; parents, Logan and Pearl Baer; five sisters, including an infant sister, Marcile (Gayle) Hoghe, Mildred (Don) Parker, Thelma (Paul) Gamble, and Dorothy (James) Pollock; and seven brothers-infant twins Ernest and Everett, Carl, Robert, Calvin (Betty), Donald, and Jerry.

Jim's life was marked by faith, family, and service. He will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to the Savior.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Grandview Stake Center, 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.