James R. Baird was born on April 29,1955 in Brownsville, TX. One of four children, James was the third-born child to Leland R. and Betty (Dickinson) Baird. He passed away on May 6, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Norton County Hospital.
Jim grew up in Logan, a small town of 500 people in northwest Kansas. He excelled in sports and was selected in 1971 as the Kansas First-Team All-State quarterback in all classes. After high school, Jim graduated from Kansas State University in 1977 with a degree in political science. Once he graduated from college, Jim returned to work for the family business, Baird Oil Inc., which continues to this day. Baird Oil is a highly respected oil operator in the immediate four-county area surrounding Logan. He became the president of the family business in 2004 where over the next 10 years, Jim led with his hard work and passion. No one could find oil like Jim, and his dedication and knowledge allowed him to drill 126 oil wells that alone provided enough energy to satisfy the fuel needs of Norton County’s economy.
Jim married his best friend and soulmate, Leslie L. Hartman, on December 17, 1983. After seven long years of trying for a family, they were blessed with their only child, Laura Lee. As Jim would say, “When Laura Lee was born, it became clear to me why I was born.” Jim dedicated his life to providing, protecting, and loving Leslie and Laura Lee. Every decision he made was made in the best interest of his family. He loved hard and never faltered in showing just how much he loved his family, and did the same for his grandchildren, Liam James and Cora Grace.
This year, Leslie and Jim celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. Leslie was his soulmate, the love of his life, and he called her his most treasured asset. Their secret to a long and loving relationship were 3 principles - hard work, commitment, and celebration. Leslie and Jim personified these principles.
Over the last 10 years, Jim would take long, sunrise walks in all kinds of weather at Prairie Dog State Park. He loved to observe nature, and he journaled about the predictable migratory patterns of birds. He also enjoyed watching all of nature’s courtship rituals, the raising of their offspring, and all of nature’s wonders.
Jim’s favorite saying comes from the musician James Taylor: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.”
Jim is survived by his wife, Leslie; daughter, Laura Lee (Andrew) Murillo of Norton; grandchildren: Liam and Cora, and mother, Betty Baird of Logan, KS. He was preceded in death by his father.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Norton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norton County Hospital to help with the purchase of the diagnostic machine, Falcon Xpress F5. This was important to Jim because throughout his battle with cancer, he wanted to give back to the supportive staff at Norton County Hospital. Donations may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com