James B Baldwin

James “Jimmy” Barnhill Baldwin, a resident of Montgomery, AL passed away on March 28, 2018 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren who released him into the presence of his Lord, and into the arms of his beloved wife Betty. Jimmy’s father died before he was born. He was raised by his devoted mother Audrey, stepfather Frank Layton, and his Uncle Marion Parker and Aunt Olney who loved him like a son.

Jimmy ran track for Vanderbilt University before transferring to Auburn where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha (KA) Fraternity and played the drums in the Auburn Jazz Band. He graduated from Auburn with a Bachelor of Science in 1952 and married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Cunningham of Montgomery that same year. As a salesperson, first with Mid-South Packers, then with Alabama Paper and Metal Ware, Jimmy embodied the concept of service by relationship. He genuinely enjoyed getting to know the men and women he served in business and secured his clients’ loyalty, as much out of the relationship he built with them as through the quality of the products he sold. He worked tirelessly to feed his large family, and volunteered thousands of hours at First Baptist Church feeding the souls of junior high boys in Sunday School, feeding the poor through the church’s Caring Center, and feeding the needs of the church by encouraging his fellow members to pledge their support.

Jimmy lived a life of devoted service to God, steadfast and faithful love for his wife of 64 years, and tender affection for his five children and ten grandchildren children. He loved nothing better than hosting his grandkids while their parents were away, and attending their sports events and recitals. He taught his family that when commitment to one another is interlaced with grace and forgiveness, every obstacle can be overcome. Jimmy will be missed by so many, but he left a legacy of love and service that will continue on indefinitely.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Cunningham Baldwin, brothers Kenton Baldwin, and Robert Baldwin. He is survived by his sister Ann Layton Birchfield of Jacksonville, FL, his five children: Pamela Baldwin Ross of Marietta, GA; James Bruce Baldwin (Mary Ann) of Hillsbourgh, NC; Patti Baldwin Ricotta of Chatham, MA, Scott Evans Baldwin (Lesia) of Montgomery, AL; Lori Baldwin Arnold of Montgomery, AL. Also ten grandchildren: Ethan and Christa Ross; Matthew and Scott Baldwin; Stephen, Jonathan and Andrew Ricotta; Evan and Alex Baldwin, and Madison Arnold.

Following a time of visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel there will be a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, March 31st. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Alzheimer's Association Alabama/Florida Panhandle: 2151 Highland Avenue South, Ste 210, Birmingham, AL 35205.