James R. “Jim” Baldwin, 86, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (August 23, 2011) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Porter James and Mary Ethel (Bibbs) Baldwin he was born July 3, 1925 in Macon, Missouri. On August 20, 1950 in Millard, Missouri, Jim was united in marriage to Ilene Cody.

Jim is survived by his wife Ilene of sixty-one years; two daughters, Anna Lou Pisano of Hanover, PA, and Mary Jane Kiefer and husband Bob of Kirksville, MO; his brother-in-law, Clyde Cody and wife Bea of Millard, MO; five grandchildren, Bill Pisano and wife Marisa, Jonthan Pisano and wife Stacey, Ben Kiefer and wife Erin, Megan Western and husband Joel and Ashley Shaw and husband Kyle; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle, Austin, T.J., Gino, Livianna, Brianna, Braddox and Bryant, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

His parents; two brothers, Ralph Baldwin and Emery Baldwin; one sister, Thelma Dye and his son-in-law, Bill Pisano, preceded Jim in death.

Jim received his education in Macon County and moved to the Millard community in 1943. He entered the United States Army in August of 1944, serving in Okainawa, Philippines, Saipan and Hawaii in the 96th “Deadeye” Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in November of 1946 and returned to Millard, Missouri, where he started farming. Jim began driving a truck for hire and in 1957 entered the John Deere Business until selling out in 1982. After retiring, Jim enjoyed driving a school bus for the Weber’s and also driving the bus for sporting events.

Jim served on the Millard School board; on the board of Chamber of Commerce of Kirksville, on the board of the Adair County Credit Bureau, served on the board of FHA, was a member of Western Association Farm Equipment, charter member of Optimist Club, Deacon and Elder of First Christian Church of Kirksville, and was a member of American Legion Post #20.

Public visitation will be held Friday (August 26, 2011) with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday (August 27, 2011) at the First Christian Church in Kirksville, with Reverend Steve McDuff and Janice Legg presiding. Music selections “How Great Thou Art” and “Daddy’s Hands” will be provided by Twila Jones who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Tape selection “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley will be played during his service. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be: Bill Pisano, Ben Kiefer, Jon Pisano, Joel Western, Kyle Shaw, Greg Cody, Steve Cody and John Broce. Honorary bearers will be Clyde Motter, Allen Fitzgerald, Bill Frazee, Jerry Buck, Gladden Dye, Don B. Dye, Bob Dye, Bert Crowder, Lloyd Cribb and Porter Baldwin.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim Baldwin may be made to the First Christian Church or to Kirksville Optimist Club. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.