James Roland Laird

December 3, 1930 - February 2, 2020

James Roland Laird, 89 passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020. He was a lifelong Christian and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Anyone who knew him loved his quick wit, humor and wisdom. Always learning, he was knowledgeable about almost anything and excelled in every aspect of his life. Roland was born in Baytown, Texas December 3, 1930 to Jesse Josiah Laird and Nettie Storm Laird. He was raised in Baytown and went on to enlist in the Air Force where he became a jet fighter pilot in the 449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in the Alaskan Air Command. After his military service he went to work in the chemical industry as an operator and advanced into supervision and management roles. He also managed Human Resources, the Safety Department and the Training Department. His final assignment for Celanese was to train operations for the National Methanol Project in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Roland served as an elder and devoted parishioner in his church in Baytown and later in Fredericksburg. Roland is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joveta, their four children; daughter, Kathy Boyer, son, Scott Laird and wife Dawn, daughter, Karen Harlan and husband Wade, son, Kelly Laird and wife Stacia, along with eight grandchildren; Justin Laird, Barry Laird and wife Anisia, Steve Terry and wife Rachel, John Terry, Meghan Baker and husband Lance, Wes Harlan and wife Megan, Leah Harlan and Conley Laird, along with four great-grandchildren: Norah and Clare Baker, Brooks Laird and Olivia Harlan. Roland was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; brothers, Lawrence, Roy, Alton and sister, Winnie Nell. The visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. and the service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 7th at the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ, 7300 Crownridge Drive, The Woodlands. A graveside service will be held at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Monday February 10th at 2:30 p.m. Services have been entrusted to Addison Funeral Home 18630 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379. The Addison family and staff extend their condolences to the Laird family