James Adam Baird, Jr., of Huntsville, passed away February 26, 2022. Born in Selma, Alabama to Martha and James A. Baird, Sr. on August 10, 1935, Jim is survived by his wife, Maureen; sister, Robin Lowry (Frank); daughters, Kathy Wills (Bob), Linda Newbern (Gordon), Mollie Jacks (Brad), and Tricia Beel (Bryan); stepdaughter, Katie Kuehn (Kevin); 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Jim attended the University of Alabama, joining Phi Gamma Delta and ROTC. After graduation, he served as a pilot of the F104 Starfighter in the US Air Force for 5 years. Jim then attended California Institute of Technology where he received a Ph.D. in physics. He began his career in the aerospace industry at Brown Engineering, working on NASA’s Saturn 1 Rocket. Later, Jim worked for the Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Agency, followed by service to Booze Allen Hamilton, GRC, and Davidson Technologies. A lifelong Alabama fan and avid outdoorsman, he was appreciative of his good friends, dependable colleagues, and loving family. He was admired not only for his accomplishments, but also for his modesty, integrity, and love of life. A graveside service was held for family on March 26th at Maple Hill Cemetery. The family welcomes memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (StJude.org) or The Alabama Wildlife Federation (alabamawildlife.org).
