James E. Baer, 65, of Oak Harbor, died June 7, 2009, in Seattle. He was born June 21, 1943, in Washington, D.C. to Howard H. and Genevieve E. (Swearengin) Baer. He was a member of the Oak Harbor American Legion.

James was preceded in death by his father and an uncle, Eugene Swearengin.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather Genevieve and Jerry W. Davison of Oak Harbor; sister Lynne Pihl and her husband Jim of Woodinville; brothers Don D. Baer and his wife Diane of Gilroy, Calif., and Thomas A. Baer and his wife Barbara of Cupertino, Calif.; uncle James B. Swearengin of North Canton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service for James at a later date. Memorials have been suggested to Dogs for the Deaf, 10175 Wheeler Rd., Central Point, OR 97502.

Services have been entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel of Oak Harbor. Condolences may be left for the family at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.