In Memory
James B. Baer
Dec. 31, 1931 - Jan. 7, 1999
James Baer, a business and civic leader who was Chairman of the Board of Baer's Furniture, died on Thursday, Jan. 7, at his home in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 67.
Born in South Bend, Ind., Jim was married for 45 years to Margie Baer. Jim was active in the operation of Baer's Home Outfitters from the time his parents, Lucille and Melvin, founded the business in 1945. He took over operational control in the early sixties and oversaw the expansion in Indiana of the South Bend-based chain to four stores and the opening, in 1968, of the first Baer's store in Florida. Under the direction of Jim, the stores known as Baer's Furniture Showcases in Florida have grown to become the largest chain of family-owned and family-operated furniture stores in the country. There are ten stores in south Florida now, with stores in Naples and Miami slated to open in 1999. Jim's sons, Richard and Ronald, graduates of South Bend's Clay High School, both followed in his footsteps in management of the company.
While in Indiana Jim was very active in both religious and community causes. He was president of the United Health Foundation, president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, vice-president of South Bend's Temple Beth-El, and was on the governing boards of United Way, the Orphan's Home and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was an active volunteer member of the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Posse.
A graduate of South Bend's Adams High School, he attended the University of Michigan where he was a member of the football team and of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
After Jim and Margie relocated to Florida in 1976, both remained very active in local charities. Jim was vice-president of the Palm Beach County Jewish Federation when his vision for the Jewish community in the southern portion of that county led him to form an independent federation to more closely serve the local community. He was subsequently elected its first president and served as its first campaign chairman. The original federation campus was named in honor of Jim and Margie Baer.
Jim was also instrumental in founding other Florida charities, including the Donna Klein Jewish Academy, the Levis Jewish Community Center, the Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service and Camp Ted Weisberg. Until his death he remained an active board member of the Federation. Today the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has grown into one of the largest federations in the United States.
Active in national and international charities, Jim served as national chairman for Missions of the United Jewish Appeal, leading numerous missions to Israel. In addition Jim served on the national governing boards of the Council of Jewish Federations, the Joint Distribution Committee and the United Jewish Appeal. Jim was the first president of the Southeast U.S. chapter of the American Associates of Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, later serving another full term in the same position. He served on Ben Gurion University's International Board of Governors.
Also active throughout Florida, Jim served two terms as president of the Florida Association of Jewish Federations. He was a board member of the Broward and Palm Beach County National Council of Christians and Jews, and of the Boca Raton United Way. He also served as a member of the City of Parkland city council.
Jim was one of the founders of The First United Bank of Boca Raton. He served on its board of directors as the bank grew to be one of Florida's largest before its merger with Wachovia Bank, and has since served on Wachovia's Florida Board. He was also a board member of the Boca Rio Golf Club of Boca Raton.
A part-time resident of Colorado for many years, Jim took great pride in contributing to every community in which he spent time. An avid horseman for his entire life, Jim was an active volunteer ranger for the United States Forestry Service, leading pack teams for rescue services and in trail restoration. He served on their volunteer advisory board. Jim was also the vice-president of the Grand County Historical Association.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margie; two sons and daughters, Richard and Nancy of Palm Beach Gardens and Ronald and Marna of Coral Springs; as well as by five grandchildren: Lauren, a freshman at Harvard university, Matthew, David and Alyson, who attend high schools in Florida, and Steven, who is in middle school. He is also survived by three brothers and sisters, Bobby and Elaine Baer of Hallandale, Allan and Teri Baer of Fort Lauderdale, and Bob and Barbara Blashek of Phoenix; as well as by 16 nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10, at Temple Beth-El in Boca Raton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Temple Beth-El in South Bend, Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, to The American Associates of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, or to the charity of donor's choice.
07/11/2021 DEC
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