James Baxter

Of Gilford, formerly of Vassar, age 88, died Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at St Mary's Of Michigan. The funeral service will take place Monday, October 1, 2012, at the Church of the Nazarene in Vassar. Rev David Wermuth will officiate with burial to follow in Gilford Cemetery. James' family will be present at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar to receive friends on Sunday from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. On Monday, James will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am.Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the Vassar Church of the Nazarene. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. James was born September 9, 1924, in Vassar, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy and Irma (Barkley) Baxter. James proudly served in the United States Army Air Force during WWII before receiving his Honorable Discharge. He worked at Eaton Foundary for 33 years until retiring in 1976. In his free time James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends especially his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and swimming at North Lake. James loved dogs, especially English Bulldogs. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Paul (Debie) Baxter; stepchildren, Don (JoAnn) McCrumb, Dianne German and Jim Keenan, Dean McCrumb and Fiancee, Roxanne Sentel; 7 grandchildren, Shari (Rich) Zietz, Bob McCrumb, Wendy (Andy) Heinrich, Alana (Doug) Eckenswiller, Mikel McCrumb, David (Erin) German and Jim Baxter; several great-grandchildren; sister, Sarai (Bob) Smith; brother, Noah Timothy (Esther) Baxter; brother-in-law, Kenneth Jaynes; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Olive Baxter in January of 1997; sister, Mae Jaynes.