James L. “Jim” Laird, 81,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 May 2, 1960 in Albion, Illinois. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage.
In addition to his beloved wife, Jim is survived by his children, J. Donald Laird and wife, Dawn of Waltonville, Melanie DeSutter and husband, Mike of Woodhill, Illinois, and Alan Laird of Waltonville; grandchildren, Jamie 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 Woodhill, Alex Laird of O’Fallon, Illinois, Madeline DeSutter of Lincoln Park, Illinois, and Ravyn Laird of Elkville, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Ledger, Rosie, Blake, Jay, Addie, Allie, Kail, Tucker, and Lincoln; and sisters, Karen Benjamin of Knoxville, Illinois and Donna Knight of Saint Clair, Missouri.
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 Waltonville Community Church. He was also a chairman Waltonville Alumni FFA and a board member for Chairman Waltonville Alumni FFA and Waltonville School Board. Jim was a Founding Father for the Don Lee Extension Building. He had great work ethic, served his community well, and was a very generous person. Jim will be deeply missed.
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.
