James A. Baughman

James Baughman, who was born in Pontiac, Illinois on May 2nd, 1932, passed away peacefully in his own home on Friday, July 27th, 2012 from congestive heart failure, at the age of 80. He is survived by his beloved wife Charis Baughman, his four children, Jody Barron, Laura Simar, Robert Baughman, and John Baughman, four grandchildren James, Maria, Charles, and Ashleigh, three great grandchildren, and sisters Dolores Dinker of Tucson, and Audrey Brown of Dekalb, who preceded him in death.

A visitation followed by a service will be held on Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church East, located at 2901 S. Pantano Rd., Tucson. Immediately followed by graveside service at East Lawn Cemetery.

James Baughman Internet Obituary

James Baughman was born in 1932, in Pontiac, Illinois in a hotel to Merton Baughman and Florence Brunskill-Baughman.

James attended both Central Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School in Pontiac Illinois. From 1946-1950 he attended Pontiac Township High School where he excelled in multiple sports: track, football, and basketball. James held the high school’s shot put record of 53 feet from 1950 to 1998.

James was an exceptional athlete and talented football player. He was offered and accepted a scholarship to University of Illinois in 1950. James was a member of the 1951 Illinois varsity football team playing the tackle position. The 1951 team had an undefeated season culminating in both the Big 10 Championship and the winning of the 1952 Rose Bowl game defeating Stanford; a game in which James made a critical block of a punt which led to an Illinois score.

James joined the United States Navy in 1952 and trained at the Great Lakes Navel Facility and played football for the Great Lake Leather Jackets. James received some training as a butcher, but was officially trained as a fire control technician in San Diego and assigned to the “Hector” in Japan.

In 1956 James was honorably discharged and returned to Illinois. He tried out for the Cleveland Browns football team but was cut prior to the start of the season. James then returned to Pontiac, Illinois where he continued his apprenticeship as a butcher. He worked at various locations in Michigan and Illinois, but eventually relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 1960.

James met his wife, Charis Hutton, in 1961 and they were married in the spring of 1962. Together they raised four children, Jody, Laura, Robert, and John. James was a tireless worker often times maintaining two jobs to ensure his families’ needs were always met. As a father James made sure his children had a very joyful and happy upbringing. Wonderfully joyful birthdays and holidays, attending school functions and sporting events. James was extremely proud of his family, and in his usual quiet unassuming manner he supported all his children in their personal efforts and accomplishments, providing carefully thought out advise, and unquestioning support. James retired from meat cutting in May of 1994 after holding various jobs for SafeCo, Swift, Fedmart, and Safeway foods. After James retired he had more time and energy to devote to his wife and his faith. He found great comfort, peace and friendship with his church family at Faith Community East.

As James’ health declined he found great support in his faith and his wife, Charis. The two shared many wonderful years with some more difficult, however their love for one another and faith in God, provided both of them the strength and comfort needed when James passed away.