James LeRoi Baillie, 85

James LeRoi Baillie passed away Nov. 15, 2021, at his home in Dalton Gardens, Idaho, at 85 years of age. Jim was born on Nov. 21,1935, in Dalton Gardens, Idaho, to Earl and Antoinette Baillie. Jim met the love of his life, Doris Vig, in high school. They dated for four years and later married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 1955. They settled down in Dalton Gardens on the corner of Fourth Street and Dalton Avenue next to where Jim's parents homesteaded in the early 1900s. Here, they raised their three children.

While the family lived in a small trailer on the property, Jim worked on building a beautiful home all on his own and he was very proud of that accomplishment. Jim and Doris took great pride and enjoyment when working on their home and property together and they loved spending time outdoors and enjoying nature. Jim's loving wife Doris passed away in 2008 after 53 years of marriage. 

Their home was always the center of fun-filled family gatherings. Jim loved spending time with his family and especially his grandkids and great grandkids. He always knew how to make them feel special. One of his favorite things to do when they were little was pull them in a wagon behind his John Deere lawnmower. As the kids grew up, he loved teaching them valuable skills like how to grow a garden, how to maintain a car and how to build pretty much anything. All the kids sure loved him and looked up to him for good reason. He taught them Family First in everything he did.

Jim was the type of person who was always there to lend a hand. If his kids or grandkids needed help with a project, he was there and he always knew how to do it right. You had to be the patient type while working with him. There was no hurrying through a task. He would not take shortcuts on anything. Jim always said, “If you’re going to do something, you have to do it right the first time.” He took great pride in that. 

That pride in workmanship carried over to his job at Idaho Veneer as well. Jim worked for the Malloy family as a lathe operator and later became a supervisor. He was looked up to by many for his vast knowledge in the industry. He enjoyed working for the Malloy family and retired after 45 years of employment.

Jim put his all into everything he did. His family appreciates that he taught us all about being there for one another, he taught us work ethic and most of all he taught us family is Everything. 

He will be dearly missed. We love you dad. 

Family would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all of Jim's loving and kind caregivers he has had over the past couple of years. He loved each and every one of you. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Doris and his sister, JoAnne Roberge. He is survived by his brother, Robert Baillie (Kathy), his children, Jim Baillie (DeeAyn), Rick Baillie (Melanie), and Susan Selle (Jeff). Jim had 10 grandchildren: Bryce Baillie (Jami), Deisa Konesky (Todd), Clay Baillie (Angie), Sean Baillie, Brittany Selle, Tylah Mcaboy (Simon), Dustin Selle (Rebecca), Meghan Selle, Michael Mickelson and Andrea Mickelson. Jim had 21 great-grandchildren. 

Donations in Jim's honor may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

Jim's memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Yates Funeral Chapel — 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. There will be a celebration of life at the chapel with drinks and food after the service. Following the celebration, the family is also inviting friends and family for a potluck gathering at the family homestead in Dalton Gardens. Details will be provided at the funeral service. 

Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.