James Keith Baird

James Keith Baird, age 54, of Madison, AL passed away on Friday February 2, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Legacy Chapel, 16 Hughes Road, Madison, Alabama, with visitation and coffee to follow.The family is suggesting guests wear blue in recognition of Keith’s favorite color.

Keith was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. One of five children, he was preceded in death by his parents, Margie McMenn Bairdand Marion Eugene Baird. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Benton Baird, his daughter Katelin Baird, his sisters Wanda Norris (Tommy) and Terri Ryan (Mike), and by his brothers Steve Baird (Gail) and Kevin Baird (Carlie), and by numerous extended family members.

Following graduation from Tuscaloosa High School, Keith attended the University of Alabama, excelling in his studies earning his BS degree in Electrical Engineering and his MBA from the UA Manderson School of Business. He spent his career at Motorola and later at Adtran for 25 years, before accepting a position at BAE Systems, where he enjoyed five wonderful years. He was working at BAE Systems at the time of his death.

Keith and Kim were married for 27 loving years after first becoming high school sweethearts. 

Keith was recognized as an exemplary employee wherever he worked. Coworkers and friends and family always enjoyed his mild manner, his quick but subtle wit and his beautiful smile.

He was a devoted husband to Kim and a loving father to Katelin. Katelin looked forward to her morning call of wisdom and encouragement with her dad while they drank their morning coffee. 

He loved spending his off time reading, watching movies at home, and engaging in various high-tech projects and he particularly loved spending time at the beach. In recent years he enjoyed grilling on his Kamado grill and perfecting his coffee.Every day at 2pm he would drink a second cup of coffee with a sweet treat. Throughout the past two years we watched as he courageously battled cancer with unwavering determination and grace always with a smile on his face. He will be thoroughly missed by both family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Leukemia Lymphoma Society or the Emory Winship Cancer Institute.

We will miss you Keith…until we meet again!