James "Bill" William Baum

Bill was born on Feb. 6, 1943, to James Loyd Baum and Viola Victoria (Qualls) Baum in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and in his grandmother’s house on the famous Route 66. He was a 1961 graduate of Tucumcari High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from New Mexico State University, 1966.

While in college, Bill met Xaidee Elizabeth Hogg, the love of his life, at the Baptist Student Union, and they married on Feb. 19, 1965, in Quemado, NM. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary earlier this year. The Baum family lived in New Mexico, Arizona, West Texas, Oklahoma and Utah, where Bill worked in the oil and gas industry. Retiring in 2004, he enjoyed time at home with Xaidee before moving to North Texas in 2014 to be closer to family.

A man of faith, Bill was secure in the knowledge that he had been saved by grace through faith and would spend eternity in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Raising his children in church and in God’s Word was always a priority for Bill, and he also faithfully served in as a Deacon at Canyons Church, in Salt Lake City, UT, where he was a member at the time of his passing.

He will be remembered for his strong will, endurance, and his mechanical mind. He loved playing chess and collecting model trains and Department 56 Village sets. He loved the outdoors and the mountains, and spent many years appreciating God’s Country. He is immensely loved and will be deeply missed. Just as Bill did, we take comfort in the promise of Heaven, knowing we will be reunited with him one day.

Bill is survived by his wife, Xaidee, of The Colony; son, James Lance Baum of The Colony,TX; daughter, Xaidee De’Anne (Baum) Carmichael, her husband, William “Bill” Frank Carmichael, and their children, Ainsley Xaidee Carmichael and Walker Thomas Carmichael, all of Carrollton, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Victor Loyd Baum, and his wife, Andi Baum, of Tucumcari, New Mexico; and brother-in-law, Richard Sherrod of Justin, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Carol (Baum) Sherrod.