James L. Baldwin

Published 12:08 am Thursday, August 25, 2011

“Go rest high on the mountain my baby and sing with the angels”

MEADVILLE — Services for James L. “Jimmy” Baldwin, 50, who went home to be with his Savior from his earthly home, Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Meadville United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Cox officiating and the Rev. Ken Swearingen offering personal memories.

Burial will follow at Midway Cemetery under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jimmy was a 1979 graduate of Franklin High School and a graduate of Vennard College in University Park, Iowa with a bachelor of arts degree. He later attended Asbury Theological Seminary where he attained his master’s degree.

He pastored a number of churches and also worked with Vista Care Hospice in Terra Haute, Ind. After leaving Vista Care, he worked with ResCare in Greencastle, Ind., as a therapist.

Jimmy returned home to Franklin County in 2009, in 2010, his kidneys failed and he had been on dialysis since that time. He lived his life with a love for God, laughter and music. He never met a stranger and loved all, especially his two sons.

Everyone Jimmy touched or sang to felt the spirit of God. He was a member of Meadville United Methodist Church and participated in every activity with the church. He loved his church family.

Survivors include his mother, Frances Baldwin Hines; two sons, Cpl. Jacob Baldwin, U.S. Marine Corps, Okinawa, Japan and Isaac Baldwin of Austin, Texas and their mother, Crystal Baldwin of Austin; one sister, Julie Baldwin Gordon and husband, Jim; one brother, Ken Britt; one niece, Anna Marie LaPrarie; two nephews, Barry LaPrarie and Casey France, all of Roxie; two maternal aunts, Melanie Tiffee White and Ruth Tiffee Jordan, both of Natchez; and a number of cousins and close friends.

Pallbearers will be Clay Williams, Tony Mullins, Ray Carlock, Robin Wentworth, Cecil McMillan and Glen Lofton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Grady Fleming, Randy Youngblood, Doc Gabbert, Bubba Gabbert, Steve Coleman, David Hester, Jimmy Jones, John Robert Kimbrough, Bill King and Franklin High School Class of 1979.