James W. Baer

Born March 8, 1930, in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Hammond and Ellen Gilchrist Baer.

He graduated from Bennett High School, Buffalo and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University and a master’s degree from Michigan State University.

From 1951-54 he proudly served in the US Navy as a quartermaster aboard the USS Barton during the Korean War.

Prior to his retirement, Jim was employed by Southwestern Central School District as a 6th grade teacher for 30 years. He was the founder of the school’s Outdoor Education Program.

He was a member of Busti Federated Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars serving as chaplain and sang with the local barbershoppers.

Jim was a nature enthusiast who enjoyed bird watching, photography, and bike riding. He loved to travel with his wife Joan, including multiple trips to Alaska.

He was an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and later served as a Scoutmaster. He also helped direct Cub Scout summer camp programs.

Surviving is his wife Joan Bamberg Baer, whom he married April 6, 1953; four children Thomas H. (Sally) Baer of Jamestown, Elizabeth A. (Thomas) Swafford of Busti, Patricia J. (Paul) White of Westfield and Douglas W. (Kelly Moon) Baer of Busti; thirteen grandchildren Emily (Johannes Munter), Willson, Sharvan and Sophie Baer, Christina (Paul) Martz, Matthew (Becky) Swafford, David (Kim) and Stephen White and Katherine, Lillian, Megan, Lukas (and their mother Jeri Adams) Baer and seven great grandchildren Oliver Baer, Connor, Mackenzi, and Addisyn Swafford, Miles and Evan Martz and Vera White.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter in law Laurie Baer; grandson Kevin White who was KIA in Afghanistan; and three brothers John, William and Robert Baer.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday in Busti Federated Church (875 Mill Rd Jamestown, NY) with Pastor Ed Moore officiating.

Friends will be received at the church from 4-6 pm Friday and for one hour prior to the service Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the Jamestown Audubon Community Nature Center (1600 Riverside Road Jamestown, NY 14701) or the Busti Fire Department (886 Mill Rd Jamestown, NY 14701).

You may leave words of condolence at www. lindfunerahome.com.