James B Baird (79) of Altamont

James Bernard Baird, Jr., 79, of Altamont passed away at 11:04 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign.

James was born on May 3, 1942, in Louisville, the son of James B. Baird, Sr., and Della (Grahn) Baird. He was united in marriage with Mary Worley, on June 12, 1964, at the Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi, and they shared 57 years of marriage.

James spent most of his life in the ministry having pastored in many different states for over 60 years. James also ministered with the youth in the Civil Air Patrol in Wayne County for many years. He really loved to spread the word in his preaching, but when he wasn’t doing that, he loved to hunt, fish, and to go metal detecting looking for buried treasures. James also loved to put out and tend his garden. Later in life he worked for Walmart as a greeter for 14 years mostly in Effingham. James was a member of the Cavalry Apostolic Tabernacle Church in Iola.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Baird, of Altamont; daughter, Melisa (Jason) Mislich; grandson; Stephen Bernard Mislich, of Ohio; sister, Sandra K. (Terry) Byers, of Salem; brother, Loy A. (Sharon) Baird, of Vincennes, Indiana.

Mr. Baird was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services honoring the life of James will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville, with Rev. Mike Durre officiating, and burial will follow. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the cemetery where friends may call from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online please visit by clicking here.