Obituary of James Nelson Baird

James Nelson Baird, 73, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital.

Born January 31, 1950, in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late Russell and Anne Connell Baird. Jim grew up in Cresson, PA until the family moved to White Pine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. On May 8, 1988, he married Kim Schollenberger, who preceded him in death on September 11, 2021.

He is survived by his four children, Shawn Connell Baird of Columbus, OH, Matthew Russell Baird of Boston, MA, Jennifer Ann Sheffield and her husband, Galen, of Hesston, PA and Tracey Lynne Peterson and her husband, Stephen, of State College; a brother, Richard Joseph Baird and his wife, Kareen of Memphis, TN; a brother in-law, Richard VanReese of Hermantown, MN; and four grandchildren, Casey, Ryder, Skylar and Logan; and his beloved dog Tucker. He was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Andrew Baird, Jr. and his sister, Sally Anne VanReese.

Jim was a 1968 graduate of White Pine High School in White Pine, MI. In 1972, he received a bachelor's degree in Personnel Management from Michigan State University in East Lansing. Upon graduation, he started his long career with PPG Industries, working his way up to the Director of Human Resources. He was relocated to different locations including Marshall, MN, Cumberland, MD, Tipton, PA, Shelby, NC, and Pittsburgh, PA. After 43 years, Jim happily retired from PPG Industries in 2016.

In his spare time, and especially after retirement, Jim enjoyed being on the golf course, boating on Indian Lake, or relaxing in North Myrtle Beach. He was also a Penn State Football season ticket holder for 33 years and rooted for all Pittsburgh sports teams, including the Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates.

In honor of Jim's love for the game of golf, the family asks that you play your next round of golf in memory of Jim.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 1-3pm, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will follow at 3pm with Spence Garvin officiating.

Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery following the service.

To send flowers to the family, please visit the Tribute Store.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.