James (Jim) Laird passed away at his home in Ripon, CA on December 6, 2020. He was born in Newcastle, CA to James and Ima Laird on June 18, 1924. He attended Modesto High School and Modesto Junior College.
Jim always had a love of guns, was a founding member of the Modesto Rifle Club, and later he was the president for many years. He earned many national and state awards and trophies for his remarkable shooting ability, besting both young and old. He joined the Marine Corps in WWII, trained as a radio operator in Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, and fought in last great battle of WWII at Okinawa. As a private first class, he shot the highest score in his 1000-man recruit regiment when qualifying with his M1 Garand rifle, which tied the score for the Marine Corps Recruit record. After the war, Jim married the love of his life, Patricia Michels on June 20, 1948. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in plant science. He joined the California Canning Peach Association in 1954, and was field supervisor from 1963 until his retirement. Jim was a skilled woodworker and a jack of all trades. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, hike, backpack, hunt, and share his love of the outdoors with his family. He will be remembered for his willingness to help his neighbors, his unfailing work ethic, and love for his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 72 years, Patricia Michels Laird and five daughters, Kathryn Marcellino of Modesto, Susan Sperry of Twain Harte, Joan Lehman and her husband Craig of Santa Rosa, Jane Meyer of Reno, NV, and Nancy Lewis and her husband James of Ripon. He had 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grand children, and a sister, Jean Laird of Concord.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356,
(209) 578-6300, hospiceheart.org.
Jim always had a love of guns, was a founding member of the Modesto Rifle Club, and later he was the president for many years. He earned many national and state awards and trophies for his remarkable shooting ability, besting both young and old. He joined the Marine Corps in WWII, trained as a radio operator in Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, and fought in last great battle of WWII at Okinawa. As a private first class, he shot the highest score in his 1000-man recruit regiment when qualifying with his M1 Garand rifle, which tied the score for the Marine Corps Recruit record. After the war, Jim married the love of his life, Patricia Michels on June 20, 1948. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in plant science. He joined the California Canning Peach Association in 1954, and was field supervisor from 1963 until his retirement. Jim was a skilled woodworker and a jack of all trades. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, hike, backpack, hunt, and share his love of the outdoors with his family. He will be remembered for his willingness to help his neighbors, his unfailing work ethic, and love for his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 72 years, Patricia Michels Laird and five daughters, Kathryn Marcellino of Modesto, Susan Sperry of Twain Harte, Joan Lehman and her husband Craig of Santa Rosa, Jane Meyer of Reno, NV, and Nancy Lewis and her husband James of Ripon. He had 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grand children, and a sister, Jean Laird of Concord.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356,
(209) 578-6300, hospiceheart.org.
Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, December 12, 2020<f$><z$>
