Jay Anthony Baier, 65, a personal injury lawyer in Chicago for 40 years, died Sunday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from a brief illness following elective hip-replacement surgery. A Chicago native, Mr. Baier grew up in Wilmette and attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate. He received his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and worked for several firms in the Loop area before starting his own practice, J.A. Baier, Ltd., which he ran for 25 years before retiring last May. His success in the courtroom came from an outgoing manner, said his daughter, Jayne Baier Mattson. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his companion of over 25 years, Charlene Kunkel; a sister; a brother; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday in William H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Friday in St. Joseph Church, 1747 Lake Ave., Wilmette.
