James "Jamie" T. Laird III

James "Jamie" Laird, 65 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his home in Little Falls, MN. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. A visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Caring for Jamie and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. James (Jamie) Tyler Laird III, age 65, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Preceded in death by parents Dr. James Laird, Jr. and Geraldine Laird. He is survived by loving wife, Dawn; son, Zak; sister, Becky Stephens (Brad) of Little Falls; stepdaughters Kelly Wittenbel (Brandon) of Wayzata, MN; Kady Lone of Los Angeles, CA; Christina Johnson (Bob) of Cushing, MN; and his beloved dog, Louie. Jamie arrived in the state of New York in 1959 as a result of his mother and father meeting on a trolley car in New York City. The three of them settled in Little Falls in 1963. After the arrival of his little sister the family was complete in 1964. By the time Jamie graduated from Little Falls Community High School in 1978 he had made many friends. He earned a black belt in Karate and bought his first car from the earnings from various jobs. Jamie was a hard worker from early on in life. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps. After a stint with the Marines, he worked out west for 8 years for an oil and gas company exploring, drilling, and planting explosives. Jamie eventually returned to Little Falls where he met and was united in marriage to Gisela Trutwin. They eventually gave birth to Zak, the apple of Jamie’s eye. Over the years he worked in plumbing and heating, law enforcement, a volunteer firefighter, city politics and teaching people axe throwing (probably his favorite job). Jamie also enjoyed his years as a youth hockey coach for his son, Zak. He enjoyed reading, watching movies, listening to rock-n-roll music, and last but not least he LOVED Chinese buffets. Ultimately Jamie and his first wife divorced and years later he met his soulmate, the love of his life, Dawn. They were married on June 15, 2019 and together with each other every step of the way. Jamie retired in 2018 and loved life. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish with his high school buddies, enjoyed his camper with a morning campfire and a cup of coffee. He was an avid weightlifter, ran many marathons, master in martial arts, and a first-rate handyman working on projects and helping other people out. A free spirit who enjoyed taking long rides on his tricked-out Harley Davidson Roadglide affectionately known as “Black Bart” and craved the freedom of the open road. Jamie had an infectious smile and laugh and could talk anyone’s ear off. As a young lad, he always dreamed of being a cowboy and living in the Southwest. That dream came true when he and Dawn purchased their retirement home in Las Cruces, NM the summer of 2023. They spent only a short 8 months there before he was diagnosed with cancer in May 2024. They made the decision to return to Little Falls permanently due to much better healthcare and being close to family and friends. He will be deeply missed by many. It was Jamie’s wish to be cremated. There are so many people to thank, but a special thanks of gratitude goes out to CentraCare Hospice care team, Becky and Brad Stephens, Kelly and Brandon Wittnebel, Kady Lone, Donna and Brad Beaty, Bruce and Carol Begalke, and Mike and Terry Lehrke for their many kindnesses and support during Jamie’s illness. God bless you Jamie and rest in peace. Jamie’s Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Shelley Funeral Chapels in Little Falls, with visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by a 4:00 p.m. Chapel service.

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James "Jamie" T. Laird III

August 25, 1959 - October 30, 2024