James Arthur Baxter

Jim was born on November 28, 1943, in Salt Lake City. In 1950, his family moved to Bremerton, where he would build a life rooted in community, scholarship, and quiet devotion to family. He attended Bremerton schools for twelve years and graduated from East High School in 1961.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Seattle University in 1967 and later completed his Ph.D. at the University of Washington in 1992. Mathematics was not simply his profession—it was his life’s work and intellectual passion. Before dedicating himself fully to academia, Jim worked briefly as a brick mason, reflecting the work ethic and humility that defined him.

Jim was married to Janet McCloskey (Brittain) from 1968 to 1986.

He is survived by his children, John Baxter, Elvina Baxter, and George Baxter; his grandchildren, Phillip Mackey (Brielle), Heather Hughey, Tyler Baxter, Ashlee Quinn, and Jonathan Turner; and three great-grandchildren, Phoenix Mackey, Joseph Carrillo and Phillip M. Mackey.

Outside of mathematics, Jim found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved gardening, especially tending to his lilies, his favorite flower. Pine trees held a special place in his heart, which he carefully nurtured. On weekly trips to Seattle, he delighted in finding and feeding crows, admiring their intelligence and independence.

Christmas was his favorite holiday. He treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, and those moments brought him genuine happiness. Jim was also deeply respected and admired by his neighbors, who knew him as thoughtful, intelligent, and quietly kind.

A viewing will take place at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home on February 24, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a small service at 1:00 p.m. A neighborhood memorial gathering will also be held this spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to FSHD Society (www.fshdsociety.org) or Shalom Hospice (www.shalomwa.com).

Jim’s legacy lives on in the minds he challenged, the family he loved, and the quiet beauty he cultivated in the world around him.

A visitation will be held on February 24, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home, located at 5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312, US.

A committal service will follow on the same day at the same location from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.