James Beaird

James (Jim) Riley Beaird, 86, of Birmingham, passed away on April 19th, 2021 after a loving visit from family. Jim was born in Birmingham and attended Shades Valley High School. He graduated from Kentucky Military Institute followed by the University of Alabama where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi. After graduation, Jim moved to Nashville for a brief stint where he met his future wife, Patricia Eve Lanier. The couple soon relocated back in Birmingham and moved into Fox Hall Apartments, where they met and made numerous friends for life in what simply became known as The Supper Club…

Jim began a long career in banking at Birmingham Trust, National Bank, later SouthTrust. He retired from Regions Bank in the late 90s after 35 years in commercial real estate lending. Jim gave freely of his time to many causes and organizations during his working years. Some of those include The Exchange Club and Scout Troop 86. After retirement Jim began volunteering at St Vincent’s Hospital in the auxiliary reserve, where he would continue to serve for over a decade, assuming greater responsibilities over time. He was very active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he worked in establishing new chapters at Samford University and other colleges. Jim and Patsy were long-time members of St Luke’s Episcopal Church where they were active in many ministries over the years, most recently serving breakfast on Sunday mornings

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo Dow Beaird and Suzie Daniel Beaird. He is survived by his son, William (Bill) Dow Beaird (Jill Wesnor), 2 grandsons James Alexander Beaird, Andrew Milam Beaird and their mother Melissa Mickle Beaird. A memorial service will be held at St Luke’s Episcopal Church on Thursday April 22 at 11:00 AM. (please be mindful of Covid protocols). You may also join the livestream service by following the link to the information for Jim Beaird, https://youtu.be/HJdsh-v9EJ8.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jim’s caregivers, Lisa Headrick, Sherrell Curtis and Brenda Stockdale who provided great comfort and love. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Founder’s Place at St Luke’s www.saint-lukes.com , Greater Birmingham Humane Society https://gbhs.org/ or the Shelby County Humane Society https://shelbyhumane.org/ .