James W. Laidlaw, 72, of Saxonburg passed away Wednesday at the Good Samaritan Hospice after an extended illness.

He was the cherished husband of 51 years to Sheran (Harbison) Laidlaw.

Born on Sept. 26, 1941, in Cabot, he was the son of the late John and Hester Corbett Laidlaw.

Jim graduated from Knoch High School in 1961.

Jim worked as a fork lift operator for Pullman Standard until it closed. Jim also worked for Don Martin Trucking and Lernerville Speedway in Sarver for over 35 years. He retired in 2003 from St. John's Specialty Care Lutheran Senior Life after 17 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of the Cabot United Methodist Church in Cabot. He served as a trustee and usher. He also managed the 60+ luncheon program for several years. Jim was a member of the Armstrong Lodge F & AM Lodge 239 in Freeport and the New Castle Consistory. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed watching and following every kind of sports, especially high school football and basketball.

In addition to his wife, Sheran, he is survived by his daughter, Lori (Richard) Roberts of Saxonburg; his son, James W. (Kimberly) Laidlaw Jr. of Saxonburg; his five grandchildren, Lacey and Madison Roberts, Jordan and Rachel Laidlaw and William; his two step-grandchildren, Nathan and Caitlin; his three brothers, Gerald (Vi) Laidlaw of Cabot, Ronald Laidlaw of Sandy Lake and Gale (Barb) Laidlaw of Saxonburg, and his three sisters, Janet (John) Buchan of Cabot, Sally (Russell) Foran of Sarver and Linda Morrison of Sarver.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

LAIDLAW — The friends of James W. Laidlaw, who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Fox Funeral Home, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.The services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Matthew Judd officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.Memorial donations may be made to the Cabot United Methodist Church Building Fund, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot, PA 16023.Information also is available at www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.