James “Jim” Laidlaw, age 75, a lifelong resident of Spooner, died at his home with family by his side on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Jim was born on December 31, 1949, in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, to parents James and Faith (Haley) Laidlaw, but was raised by his grandmother Minnie Haley. He graduated from Spooner High School in 1968, and held several small jobs until he hired out on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Spooner, in 1973.

He started out as a Brakeman, and would work his way up to becoming a Locomotive Engineer. His career with the Chicago Northwestern would transition to the UP Railroad after their merger, and he would eventually retire after 41 years of service, in August of 2014.

During his years on the Railroad, he was involved with teaching Railroad safety, would represent the Railroad providing programs for High School students, and also assisted with Hazmat training to First Responders for Railroad Incidents. In his younger years, he loved playing guitar in a band he was part of.

In his later years, he enjoyed volunteer work where he could, or was needed. Some of his time was spent with the Washburn County Kinship Program, volunteered time with local Boy Scouts, rang the bell for Salvation Army, and delivering Meals on Wheels.

Jim is survived by his children: Kimberly Laidlaw, James (Billie) Laidlaw Jr, Eric Laidlaw, 5 grandchildren: Morgan, Conner, Samantha, Ethan, and Logan, half-brother Scott Strand, and half-sister Shawn Strand.

James is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for James “Jim” Laidlaw will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1pm, at the Spooner Funeral Home with Andrew Melton as officiant. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, from noon until 1pm. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Spooner.

Casket bearers will be: Morgan, Conner, Samantha, Ethan, and Logan Laidlaw, and Mark Schmitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Neighbor to Neighbor - 407 N. Front St., Suite 2, Spooner, Wisconsin 54801 would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Last Update: Dec 22, 2025 9:39 am CST