James Baer

James Edward Baer, 67 years old, of Salmon Arm, BC went to be with his Lord on the evening of Nov. 7, 2021. He peacefully passed through the “valley of the shadow” at home. His battle with Parkinson’s is over and he has received his Crown of Life. James was born Jan. 6, 1954, fourth son to Mervin & Fannie Baer, along with his identical twin brother John. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 yrs. Judy (Amendt) Baer and his 7 children. Hannah (Adam) Martin, Ghent NY. Jordan (Heidi) Baer, Castlegar BC. Mervin (Christa) Baer, Fanling Hong Kong. Heather (Marlin) Maldaner, Rolling Hills AB. Bethany (Jeremy) Reimer, Salmon Arm BC. Carson (Laurie) Baer, Salmon Arm BC. Sophia (Darren) Torkleson, Tilley AB. Thirty-three grand-children. Four sisters and four brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, a brother Leon Baer, a sister Jean Rohrer, 2 brother-in-laws, Marlin Zimmerman and Jesse Peachy, and a grandson Jeffery Maldaner.

Dad was born in Carlisle, PA and lived there with his parents till he was 8 years old. Then they moved to McBride BC, where at 15, he gave his heart to the Lord, was baptized and joined the McBride Mennonite Church. He met Judith Amendt at Danskin, BC and on Oct. 26, 1974 they joined hearts and hands for life.

They settled in McBride where Dad owned and operated a backhoe service. In 1978 they were asked to move to a church plant in Lacrete Alberta. Dad threw himself into building church and worked in construction. In 1979 he was ordained deacon. In 1982, Dad & Mom were asked to move to the Philippine Islands. Dad was ordained minister. They had an auction to sell their belongings, and with 3 small children they boarded a plane for a new life, a new language and a new culture. Dad and Mom served there at Dasmarinas for 5 years. In 1987, with 5 children, they settled back in McBride, where he served as minister. Between then and 1995, they served 2 more terms in the Philippines.  In 2004 McBride was planting a church in Salmon Arm, BC and Dad was chosen to help there. He served there as minister until his health hindered his continued involvement.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 50. Thus began a difficult 16-year journey for Dad and Mom and those who helped care for him. Through the many ups and downs of his illness, we found God’s grace sufficient. Over the last few years his main desire was to go home to be with Jesus and to be released from his earthly body of suffering. His voice in his family and in the world will be sorely missed. His positive outlook, words of encouragement, and intense love of the Word and the Lord are things we, his children, carry with us and praise the Lord for.                                                                                                                                         

Dad’s love for the Lord and his love for people provided him many opportunities for service. He was always helping someone, preaching somewhere, having guests in their home or writing an article. He had a keen interest in the work in Hong Kong and China. His gift of writing blessed many people across the world. “Beside the Still Waters” devotionals and working with CAMs Billboard Evangelism team consumed many of his hours before Parkinson’s ravaged his mind.

 We thank you for your prayers and support, through Dad’s suffering.

“Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight”