Obituary of John R. Laird

John Robert "Jack" Laird Sr. of Heritage Village in Gerry and long time resident at 35 Cedar Avenue in Jamestown, passed away Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015. He was 100 years old. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ina B. Laird. Jack was born November 12th, 1914 in Corry, PA, the son of the late Margaret Zita Farrell Laird and Fred Laird. He worked and lived in Corry until he enlisted in the Army in February of 1944. During World War II, Jack served in the Corps of Engineers, 138 1st Engineering Petroleum Distribution Company and was stationed in India and China. He worked on the Burma Road and the gas pipeline that was built between Burma and Kungming, China. He served his country well and at the time of discharge two years later, he had risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following the war, Jack lived briefly in Houston, before returning closer to home. He settled in Jamestown with his wife Ina, where he raised six children and worked for many years at Marlin Rockwell, TRW. Surviving Jack are his six devoted children: Mary Laird of Jamestown, Janice Laird of Blackwood, NJ, Nancy Paslaqua (Kenneth) of Snyder, NY, Dr. John Laird (Deborah) of Davis, CA, Robert Laird (Lisa) of Phillipsburg, NJ, and Richard Laird (Gabriela) of Cohasset, MA. He was also fortunate to have 15 adoring grandchildren: Jessica Cusimano, Jeremy Cusimano (Emily), Jordan Moran, Joshua Moran, John Paslaqua, Robert Paslaqua, Aleson Laird, Jackson Laird, Benjamin Laird, Nicholas Laird, Christopher Laird, Jamie Laird, Shannon Laird, Natalie Laird, and Keren Laird. He was also blessed by the birth of two great grandchildren, Charles John Cusimano and Oliver Hall Cusimano. In addition to his wife Ina, Jack was preceded in death by two sisters, Winifred Ann Laird Ruland (1963) and Theresa Laird Hurley (2007). Jack will forever be remembered as a kind, decent and loving man who was a wonderful father and doting grandfather. He was a close and loyal friend to many in our neighborhood in Jamestown. Along with his wife Ina, he made the Laird house on Cedar Avenue a welcome gathering place for family, neighbors, friends, and friends of friends. The door was always open with a cup of coffee and a plate of cookies at the ready. If one's life is judged by the friends that he keeps, the kindness and generosity he shows towards others, the service he provides for his fellow man, and the legacy of love that he leaves behind, then Jack's life was indeed a great, great success. His legacy includes 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren (so far) who all loved him very much. The funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rick McCurdy will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 5 to 7 PM Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Church of Christ, 875 Fairmount Ave., or the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, both Jamestown, NY 14701.