Jim Baer

James Scott Baer, of Crystal Lake, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 72.

He was born September 11, 1948 in Bloomington, IN, the son of the late Harold George and Jean Catherine (nee Daniels) Baer.

James was an educator for 39 years. He began his career at North Elementary School in Crystal Lake and moved on to be Vice Principal at Gages Lake Elementary School. James spent the majority of his career at Summit School in West Dundee, working in Special Education. He concluded his career in District 46 in Elgin.

James enjoyed playing golf with his Sunday golf league, and was an avid fan of the Cubs and Indiana Hoosier basketball. A voracious reader and writer, he was a self-taught bass player and song writer who played in many bands. James loved listening to the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Mostly, he enjoyed the time spent with his wife, kids and grandkids.

James is survived by his loving wife, Donna (nee Brown); his beloved children, James M. Baer, Celestine (Douglas) Nickels and Janelle M. Baer; his cherished grandchildren, Madeline, Chloe, Benjamin, Ryan, Lily, and Veronica; his loving siblings, G. Thomas (Marlene) Baer, Susan Bedell, Timothy (Kerry) Baer, Michael Baer, and Elizabeth (Chuck) Baer; and Mil-Mil the cat.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Constance Osmond; and Hendrix the cat, his little buddy.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 5, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org