JIM BEAIRD

SIKESTON -- Funeral service for James M. Beaird of Sikeston will be held at 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home. The Rev. Dolan Rogers will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Beaird, 75, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1997, at his home.

He was born Dec. 21, 1921, at Holcomb, son of James William and Zora Lee Beaird. He and Thelma Horner were married Sept. 7, 1948.

Beaird received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from Arkansas State University, and master of science degree in agriculture economics from Mississippi State University.

He was a teacher in the Holcomb School District, managed the Paragould, Ark., Chamber of Commerce two years, and Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce more than seven years.

Beaird was associated with the savings and loan business more than 20 years. He served on the board of United States League of Savings Association, and as vice president and president of Missouri Savings and Loan League.

He served as president of Sikeston Chamber and Sikeston Industrial Development Corp. He served on the agriculture committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and on the board of Missouri State Chamber of Commerce. He was named Sikeston Man of the Year in 1972.

Beaird served several years on the Southeast Missouri Council of Boy Scouts of America, and was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1972.

He was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church and had served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on various committees. He was a member of American Legion Post 114, lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, and charter member of Delta Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was awarded the fraternity's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1977.

Beaird served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a recruit instructor and also was a combat training instructor. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Rifleman Badge, and two Bronze Stars.

Survivors include his wife; a son, James Beaird of Sikeston; a daughter, Jammie Hardin of Newport, Ark.; a brother, Walter Pipkins of Donna, Texas; a sister, Louise Hall of Tyler, Texas; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.