James “Jim” W. Baldry, 81, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House with his loving family by his side. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 2pm at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Jim was born in 1938 to Gustine and Edith Baldry in Newbald, Yorkshire, England. He served with the British Royal Airforce. While seeking adventure in Australia, he met Carol Hatch and they later married on December 20, 1969. He worked at A & S Tool & Die as a machinist before retiring. He enjoyed going fishing and camping, gardening, traveling, and lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Jim was known as the family tinkerer, and could be found tinkering with various things throughout the house. He loved listening to country music, singing, and playing his guitar. His greatest love was playing with his grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 49 years, Carol; their children, Steve (Megan) Baldry of Davenport, Deb (Sam) Otis of Peoria and Kerry (Mark Williams) Baldry of England; seven grandchildren: Gabby, Amanda, Sarah, Luke, Ashton, Timothy, and Cora; and a sister, Berenice Dudeney. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Ken and Harold, and two sisters Ethel and Ruby.