James L. “Jim” Laird, 82, of Waltonville, Illinois, passed away at 5:35 pm October 4, 2023 at his home.

He was born December 1,1940 in Franklin County, Illinois to the late James Howard and V. Lucille (Crocker) Laird.

Jim married Sidney M. (Hale) Laird on January 2, 1960. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jim's memories will be cherished by his children. J. Donald Laird and wife, Dawn of Waltonville, Melanie DeSutter and husband, Mike of Woodhull, Illinois, and Alan Laird and wife, Renee of Waltonville; grandchildren, Jami Williams and husband, Aaron of Waltonville, Charlene Sullivan and husband Luke of Wataga, Illinois, Kate Laird and significant other, Brian Chelf of Waltonville, Levi Laird and wife, Paige of Waltonville, John DeSutter of Woodhull, Alexis Laird of O’Fallon, Illinois, Madeline DeSutter of Lincoln Park, Illinois and Ravyn Laird of Elkville, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Ledger, Rosie, Blake, Jay, Addison, Allie, Kael, Tucker and Lincoln; sisters, Karen Benjamin of Galesburg, Illinois and Donna Knight of Saint Clair, Missouri; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his twin sister, Barbara Healy; and brother, C. Marvin Laird.

Jim was a member of the Waltonville Community Church. Jim served his community of Waltonville and Jefferson County with dependable leadership, generosity and integrity. Jim was instrumental in creating the Waltonville Fire Department. He served on the Waltonville School Board 18 years. Jim was a Waltonville Bulldogs 4-H Leader. He was a solid supporter of the Waltonville FFA, a lifetime member of the FFA and was chairman of the Waltonville FFA Alumni. One of the founding fathers of the Don Lee Extension Building. Rend Lake Conservancy District Board, Elk Prairie Township Trustee, Jefferson County Board, and the St.Louis Federal Reserve Advisory Board.

Jim was a dairy, grain and livestock farmer. Jim instilled a great work ethic in his farm family and reminded them to separate their wants from their needs.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 9, 2023 at 10:00 am at Newell Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville.

Memorials may be made in Jim's honor to Waltonville Alumni FFA or Waltonville Community Church Building Fund.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-279-7272 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.

Source:Posted by Betty Sink on Jefferson County Genealogy Facebook group