James S. Baer, age 78, of Howard, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Son of the late Sanford Baer and Delores (Delemater) Mueller, Jim was born on July 16, 1947, in San Diego, CA.

Jim was a graduate of Green Bay West High School, class of '65. On September 26, 1987, he married Christine (Rappert) Heinz. Together they celebrated over 38 years of marriage.

Jim worked in the automobile business in sales and service for over 25 years and then started his own business Baer Construction & Remodeling. He met many wonderful people throughout those years and remained friends with them after retiring in 2017. He loved working with wood and made many items for his family and friends which he was very proud of.

Survivors include his loving wife, Christine; his children, Robin (Chuck Luecke) Baer and Jay (Heidi) Baer; step-daughter, Tina (Todd) Pokrzywinski and step-son, Jonathan (Jillanne) Heinz; grandchildren, Nick (Kendall), Paige (fiancé Zak), Dylan, Alexis, Taylor, Brett (fiancé Jessica), JT, Skylar, Jaelynn, Kason; great-grandchildren, Izik, Zurmanni, Zamari, Stella, Rowan, Annalise, Jack; and sister, Linda (Mark) Hanis.

He is further survived by brother and sister-in-laws, Mary (Bill) Holewinski, Nancy (Ron McGovern) Bushey, Mike Rappert, Steve (Kym) Rappert, Patti (Jerry) Hull, Barb Murphy and Cheryl (John) Zegers; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Brinker, brother, Dennis, great grandson, Kyrie, his father and mother-in-law, Norman and Julia Rappert, brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Murphy Sr, step-father, John Mueller and step-mother, Berne Baer.

In keeping with Jim's wishes no formal services will be held. A private family burial will take place at St. John the Baptist cemetery at a later date. His family invites those who knew him to honor his memory in their own personal way, whether by playing a game of cards, sharing a laugh or drink with loved ones or simply offering kindness to someone in need, just as Jim so often did. As Jim always said, "Life Goes On."

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his Unity Hospice care team for the kind and compassionate care they provided Jim.

"Somewhere between hello and goodbye, we had life, love and sadness.”