James Leo Baier

BAIER, James (Jim) of Columbiaville, age 81, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Maple Wood Manor in Clio, MI. Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held at 5PM on Monday, June 15, 2026 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Chirch, 212 Center Street, Otisville, MI 48463, with Fr. Denis Spitzley presiding. The family will receive visitors on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 4PM until the time of his funeral mass at 5PM at the church.

Jim was born on June 21, 1944 in Windsor, Ontario to Amanda Beausoleil Poole and Walter Poole. Amanda died shortly after James’ birth and her family cared for Jim for a while until a relative in Michigan, Clophy M. Baier and her husband, Leo M., lovingly adopted him in 1945. James became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1948.

A graduate of St. Michael High School in 1962, Jim began working for GM and was elected as a UAW Local 599 committee man (known as Bear), serving for decades. Jim was a volunteer fireman for Davison-Richfield Township Fire Department, where he was also a member of the dive team. He also served as Columbiaville Village Council President, served on the Forest Township Senior Center board, and served on the Lakeville School Board. He was a member of the Columbiaville Rotary and a member of the Davison Passion Players, performing with Ginger, Katie, and Connor. Jim belonged to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Davison and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #4090, and was a 4th and 5th degree Sir Knight. More recently, he became a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Otisville.

Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, learning and talking about US history, playing slow-pitch softball with friends and family years ago, and playing in dart leagues. He was also very proud of his children and grandchildren and rarely missed a sporting event, concert, or Scout event.

He couldn’t wait to meet his great grandchild, Roman Baier, last summer and loved FaceTiming with him. Jim married Ginger James on July 15, 2000 and she survives him. James is also survived by his children, Chris (Mark) Bozynski of Davison, MI; Julie Baier of New Orleans, LA; Michael Baier of Davison, MI; Marty (Dedra) Baier of Fuquay-Varina, NC; grandchildren: Michael (Arissa) & Ashton Baier, Katie & Connor Bozynski, and Nikolas, Lucas & Kate Baier. James is also survived by his sister, Margaret Wright of Lapeer, his brothers in law, Fred and Frank James, several nieces and nephews, and his friend Norm Wise, a friendship that spanned 68 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LakeVille Athletic Boosters, LakeVille Community Schools, 11107 Washburn Road, Otisville, MI 48463 or Outreach East, PO Box 61, Davison MI 48423.