James D. Baxter, 94, died March 16, 2019, at Hilty Memorial Home. Jim was born Nov. 10, 1924, in Columbus Grove to the late John and Lucille (Starkweather) Baxter On June 20, 1948, he married M. Lois Simpson Baxter who preceded him in death on Dec. 17, 2013.
Jim graduated from Columbus Grove High School in 1942, received his bachelor's degree in 1948 from Bowling Green State University and his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan in 1952. He also attended Denison University, Baldwin-Wallace University and Ohio Wesleyan University.
Jim was a U.S. Navy veteran where he performed underwater demolition for three years serving during World War II. He played football at Bowling Green State University and received his 50 year letterman in 2004.
Jim taught school at Benton Township High School in Graytown, Ohio, Morenci High School in Morenci, Michigan, Anthony Wayne High School, and Pandora-Gilboa High School where he retired in 1982 as superintendent. He coached football, wrestling, basketball, track and baseball.
Jim received the Citizen of the Year of Pandora in 1998. He was a past president of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. During retirement, he was a track official, delivered new school buses to schools and was a member of the Pandora EMS.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, swimming, watching high school sports, traveling, riding his bicycle, reading, volunteering with VOSH and family gatherings. Jim was a member of the Pandora United Methodist Church, the American Legion, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, BGSU Varsity Club, Ohio Education Association and the Putnam County Retired Teachers Association.
Survivors include three daughters, Deborah Baxter of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Connie Boice of Bradner, Ohio, Barbara Sumbry of Cincinnati; a son, Donald (Debbie) Baxter of Napoleon, Michigan; six grandchildren, Ryan Baxter, Brittany Baxter, Cameron Boice, Cari (Alex) Whitaker, Robert Sumbry Jr., Vernell Sumbry,; a great grandson, Chris Wilder; a brother Glen (Susan) Kidd of Meadville, Pennsylvania; and a sister, Ruth Kidd Mountain of California.
Jim was preceded in death by his stepfather, Samuel Kidd; a son-in-law, Chet Boice; and three brothers, John Baxter, H. Frank Baxter and Carl Kidd.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, at Pandora United Methodist Church. Pastor Duane Kemerley officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pandora where military rites will be performed.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services – Bluffton.
Memorial contributions may be made to VOSH International, 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora, Ohio 45877 or Bowling Green State University Athletic Department - Football Program, Sebo Athletic Center, 1610 Stadium Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
