James J. Baird, Jr. 1931-2011

Jim Baird, age 80, passed away on Nov. 27, 2011. He was born on Jan. 22, 1931, in Fairfield, Ala., to James J. and Impi Nissi Baird. He grew up in Bessemer, Ala., where he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 88. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn) in 1954 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. At Auburn he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa honorary fraternity and Spades. He was very active in student government, serving as Student Body President in 1953. He received a commission through Army ROTC and served on active duty at Fort Campbell, Ky.; attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was a long time employee of Sullivan, Long & Hagerty in Bessemer and retired as President and CEO of Insituform SE in 1997, before moving to Auburn.