Jimmy Leroy Bayer

Jimmy “Jim” Leroy Bayer

God gives each one of us a story and Jimmy “Jim” Leroy Bayer’s story began on January 17, 1958 by being born to the proud parents of James and Ann (Neu) Bayer.  He was the second of five children.  His story lasted 66 years, and while some of us think that it was much too short, his Maker was ready to take him home.  Jim’s story on earth ended on June 3, 2024 at 1:28 PM to begin his work in heaven.

Jim graduated from Lindsay High School in 1976.  After graduation, he traveled north on the wheat harvest through Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.  He loved the adventure and he was able to use the work ethics that he had instilled in him as he was growing up.  After returning from the harvest he attended NCTC for one year and was a member of the rodeo club. He rode a bull at an event and found out that it wasn’t quite for him.  In 1978, he began his career in the oil field as a pump repairman.  He traveled throughout the states of Texas and Oklahoma repairing oil well pumps, meeting new people and making new friends.  At one point in his career, someone was looking for a skilled pump repairman to fix a salt water well and they were told Jim Bayer was their man.  One day he received that phone call to come to the Caribbean to fix the pump.  He set out to fix the well and when he was done, the islanders were so grateful.  He retired in 2016 and began taking on more of the family farming duties and taking care of his dad.

In 1978, he bought his homeplace and began farming and raising cattle. His true love was being on a tractor or among his cattle.  He had his cattle trained to come to him with his special call or a honk of the horn.  He was able to pet his cattle on the head while feeding them from his hand.  He started the tradition many years ago naming his bulls after boxers.  He currently has Muhammad Ali on the farm.  He put his faith in God to make a good crop each season to provide food for the animals on his farm.  He also had three faithful dogs who jumped on the pick-up when they would hear that deep voice say, “Load ‘em up”!

Jim never knew a stranger.  He treated the richest of the rich the same as he treated the poorest of the poor.  He respected and loved life.  He opened his home many times to entertain family and friends and he would use his grilling skills to make savory, delicious meals for all to enjoy.  Many considered him a Grill Master.  He enjoyed inviting friends to gather for a night of games and fun with laughter and conversation.  He enjoyed traveling and went to the opening day of Germanfest in Munich, Germany to tap the keg with his nephew, Jarad.  He also took trips to Australia and the Bahamas throughout the years, as well.

Jim had a very deep faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gainesville.  He served as an usher for a number of years and was very active in the ACTS ministry.  During ACTS, he met many brothers and cherished their friendship through the years.

Jim is survived by his fiancée, Eve Sheppard and her children Jeremy & Amy Liesveld and their children Katey and Cooper, Allen Sheppard, and Bruce Sheppard.  He is also survived by his mom Ann Bayer; brother and sister-in-law Chris & Janet Bayer and sister Sandra Richeson; nieces and nephews Jarad & Rachel Bayer, Dustin & Christin Dieter, Logan & Emily Henderson, Nathan & Danelle Bayer, Paul & Megan Richeson, Mark Richeson, David & Brittney Richeson, and numerous great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his dad James Bayer; sisters Gladys Ann and Charlotte Faye Bayer; grandparents Frank & Romana (Walter) Bayer and Joe & Ida (Flusche) Neu and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. John Pacheco officiating.  Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.  A rosary, with visitation to follow, will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

You may sign the online register at www.geojcarroll.com.