Jim Baxter

90, of Beech Grove, passed away on April 17, 2015, surrounded by his devoted family. Life’s journey began on February 23, 1925. He was born in Drakesborough, KY to William Baxter and Inez Vaughan Baxter. He was orphaned at 8 years old, when his parents died a week apart. At this time, he and his two siblings were placed with various extended family members, as it was too much for any one family to take on such an obligation of provision during these years of hardship. Heartache and hard time were common of their lives. While in his late teens, he traveled to Indy in search of employment and , along with his brother Paul, they found employment at the Diamond Chain Company working different shifts. Together they opened their first grocery store on Noble St (Now College Ave.) and later on, a second store in the Warren Twp. Neighborhood on East 10th St. near Post Rd. After the closing of the 10th street market, he along with his wife, opened a dry cleaners at the same location. In addition to and during this business entity, he acquired and operated a cookie franchise distributorship, Mother’s Cookies, of which he continued to build-on over the next 20+ years and with much success. The main drive behind him is his soul-mate and wife, Patricia. They were a successful team by total definition and were married for 70 years, as of May 5, 2015. His real passion in life was pursuing antique clocks, which originated with his first purchase dating back to the first year that he and Pat were married. Over the years, he earned the reputation as one of the “top” repairmen and restoration independents within his field of time-pieces collectables. He was well known within the circles of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and his name held at the top when considering his overall knowledge and his willingness to share with others. Many have come to value his opinion when considering certain investments of these fascinating pieces. A well written book, featuring his partial personal collection, has been desired by many a collector. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Lynch Baxter; daughter, Janet (Mike) Smithey; sons, William “Bill” (Terri) and Michael “Mick” (Shari) Baxter; brother, Paul Baxter; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving sister, Billie Myrle Merriman. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from 4pm-8pm with a funeral service on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 10am in Little and Sons Beech Grove Chapel. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, St. Francis Hospice or your favorite charity. Family members would also like to acknowledge a very special thanks to daughter, Janet Smithey, for her unwavering commitment around the personal and professional care-giving at its best and the endless sacrifices she made. www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com