James Austin Baugh

James Austin Baugh (Conner) passed away peacefully on January 4, 2021 from complications from a stroke he had some 20 years ago. Jim was born on February 1, 1943 to Helen Louise and Wilford (Billy) Baugh. He was 1 of 4 Brothers and a Sister, Otis Conner Jr, Larry Conner. Rebecca Conner Traynor, Allan Conner, and Fred Baugh.

Jim was a member of the “Conner Family Band”. They were very well known in Oklahoma and Texas and went on to play in The New York World’s fair and eventually toured the United States. They played with many well-known people such as The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, and many other well-known groups. Jim was known as the “Crooner” of the group because of his beautiful voice and he was also the “funny guy” because his acts were so hysterical!

“Jim” or “Jimmy” as he was called, proudly served on a mine sweeper boat during the Vietnam War. His passions in life were his career, photography, designing, sailing his hobie cat, drawing, craftwork, nature, and of course his children, grandchildren, and family.

In 1998 Jim had a major stroke which left him with very little speech and paralyzed the right side of his body. After having lots of therapy (thank you Otis Jr). Jim made a partial recovery and was able to get back to a somewhat normal life. He was even able to live by himself for many years after the stroke, with the help of his family. Jim was an overcomer and fighter and lived long enough to meet four of his grandkids.

Jim is preceded in death by his dad, Wilford Love Baugh and wife Freda, dad Otis Conner Sr. and mom Helen Conner.

Jim is survived by his four children Jim Harkins, and family, Jay Baugh and family, Aaron Baugh, and son, Austin Sebastian Baugh, and his daughter Jamie Lyn Lawrence and her husband, Wayne T Lawrence and their 3 children Camden, and twins Madelyn and Maxwell.

Jim is also survived by his brothers Otis L. Conner Jr. and wife Karen, and family, Larry Conner and wife Jessica, and family, Becky Traynor and husband Kent, and family, Allan Conner and wife Trudy, and family, also his brother Fred Baugh and wife Stephanie, and daughter Savannah, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews. and other relatives and friends.

We are blessed by his life, and he leaves a legacy of love and strength to his family and all who knew him. He is now singing in the choir in heaven, and flying high with Jesus. Until we meet again!

I have fought the good fight I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will reward me on that day, and not only me, but those that have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8