James Charles Baskin Jr.

James Charles Baskin Jr. departed tis life for another life with his Heavenly Father, Tuesday July 26, 2017 at the UW Medical Center after a well fought battled with Leukemia. His was sudden for all, but no one knows the hour or the day when we all make that transition.

James was born on a bright, but could sunny day in Gary, Indiana on January 10, 1969. His birthday is always easy for family to remember as our mother's birthday was January 9th. He was a pleasant surprise to our entire family.

James was a strong willed boy with his own way of doing everything. He was the "best" 3rd Baseman West Gary Little League had in his era.

He graduated from West Side High School, Gary Indiana, class of 1987. He followed a time honored tradition in our family and joined the U.S. Navy serving his country with an honorable discharge received at the end of his tour of duty at Whidbey Island Naval Station. James loved many things, a great steak, gumbo, fried chicken, ribs and banana Pudding! James was a great chef himself when he decided to venture into the kitchen.

He loved sports. A football enthusiast, he never missed a game if at all possible. Howard Cosell was his handle at home with his sister's boyfriends. All the gamblers wanted to know who James thought was going to win. He was an excellent aimer and loved the water. He loved to play cards for fun and for money. He was excellent at both.

From commercial fishing in the Bering Sea to Commercial Truck Driving he did what he had to do to help his mom and sisters. He was a very unique individual with a perspective on life and living that only changed with the birth of his son. James III affectionately called "Little Sco" was a delight he expressed total dismay every time the possibility arose that his struggle was not going to be successful. He as well as his family and friends close to him were forever optimistic of the outcome.

He was preceded in death by his father James Sr. who passed away when James was only 2 years old, his mother Annie (2007), his sister Jocelyn (1996), brother William (2006), and his uncle R.J. & aunt Charlotte Givens, his aunt & uncle Malcom & Ann Givens, Gary, Lawrence & Gladys Pratt (NY,NY), James & Katherine McLemore (Memphis, TN), Lynnwood & Ada Givins (Jackson, Miss), and LouAnna McBride (Denver, CO), Thelma Harris (Birmingham, Ala), Maggie Irving (Chicago, IL).

He is survived by his loving son James III, Sisters Carolyn (Glenn) Gilbert (Seattle, WA), Mona Lisa Baskin (Chicago, IL), brother Craig (Ishmi) Gilbert, Loving niece Brandye Rogers, Pyper and Chyna Gilbert (Bessemer, Ala), Adam Hernandez (Portland, OR), William (Safiya) Gilbert (Redmond, WA), Craig Gilbert II (Seattle, WA), Kadir and Mateas Gilbert (Everett, WA), a myriad of cousins and family from all over the US. He will be missed by many and more that can be imagined. Honorable mention, Loyal and devoted Terae Jones, his best friend.

For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever - Amen.

The family of James Baskin Jr. Gratefully acknowledges all cards, condolences and thoughtfulness of all during this difficult journey.