James Baird Desch

James Baird Desch, age 76, of Salem, OR, passed away Oct. 28, 2018. Son of Robert Baird and Williamette (Williams) Desch, Jim was born Aug. 15, 1942. He was raised in Central City and York, NE where he graduated from high school His parents moved to Salem Oregon where they purchased Capitol Monuments. Jim enlisted in the U.S. ARMY in Jan. 1966 and served three tours in Vietnam. He received the National Defense medal, Vietnam service medal, and the Vietnam campaign medal. Following his discharge in 1972, Jim returned to the monument business with his parents. He also purchased Balloon Flying Service of Oregon and piloted his balloon for many years. Jim belonged to the South Salem Lions Club and the Pacific Northwest Monument Builders Association. Jim’s hobbies included hydroplane racing with his boat, The Gold Digger, He also was interested in CB radios. He loved to cook, watch cooking shows, and his Nebraska Cornhusker football team. He also loved old John Wayne movies. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley Bahns Desch, sisters Williamette (Larry) Shafer, Lincoln, NE; Lucinda Russell (Fred), Beaverton, OR; brother Robert W. Desch, (Phyllis) Portland, OR ; special nieces Debbi Walsh, Portland, OR. Met Gallagher, Lincoln, NE and many other nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by parents. There will be no service at this time and burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.