James C. Baer

James Charles Baer passed away peacefully Oct. 1, 2018 in Fountain Hills after a four-year battle with cancer.

Born in York, Neb. Aug. 24, 1943, to DeLoris M. and C.H. “Cub” Baer, Jim graduated high school in York and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1962 from the University of Nebraska. At UNL, he was a member of the student council, a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, and a board member on the Interfraternity Council.

After graduating, Jim married Joyce Meyer of York and the couple lived in Lincoln where Jim began his career as an investment counselor for an investment firm.

He also served in the Nebraska Army National Guard in the 43rd Army Band for several years.

When the town of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. was founded, Jim moved there with his family in 1971 as an early “pioneer.” He owned Old Ranger’s Waterhole & Fine Foods Emporium, and later he co-owned and managed the Diamond Mine Ice Company. Active in the young community, Jim served as the president of the Jaycees and was on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce and the London Bridge Rotary Club.

In 1977 Jim founded Baer Financial Services, a full-service investment and insurance planning firm. He returned to Lincoln in 1983, was married a second time to Phyllis Collis in 1985, and ultimately served as a branch manager and Registered Principal for his investment broker/dealer firm.

In Lincoln, he served as president of the Zodiac Club and was active in Rotary Club #14 and masonic organizations such as the Lincoln Lodge #19 of the Master Masons, the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Sesostris Shriners, and the Royal Order of Jesters.

Jim and Phyllis moved back to Lake Havasu City in 2002, bought a summer home in Show Low, Ariz. in 2003, and then moved from Havasu to Fountain Hills in 2013. He continued his affiliation with masonic organizations and with the Torreon Golf Club in Show Low.

Jim’s family include his wife, Phyllis; his son, Jason C. Baer (Alyson) of Bloomington, Ind.; grandchildren, Annika and Ethan Baer of Bloomington; sister, Jeanne Baer (Victor Lacy) of Lincoln, Neb.; stepdaughters, Debra Phillips (Greg) of Fountain Hills and Doreen Moschcau (Mark) of Gilbert, Ariz.; and stepson, James Collis of Eau Claire, Wis.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his son, Jeffrey A. Baer.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 North Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.