James "Jim" Lyle Baxter

James "Jim" Lyle Baxter, 87, died at his home January 3, 2021. Jim was the son of Clarence "Bud" Baxter and Mary Jane (Keller) Baxter. He attended Fort Wayne Community Schools graduating from South Side High School in 1951. Jim had many interests along with singing and playing the piano. He loved antiques, woodworking, carpentry, building clocks, and caning chairs. In August of 1957 he married Juanita "NeDe" Etling from Ohio and celebrated 63 years of marriage this year. They had two sons, Jeff and Bobby. Having been taken to Sunday School and church as a child, he became a Christian. His faith became a “real thing”. He was raised in the Nazarene and Missionary Churches. Jim was a member of First Missionary Church for over 50 years and Waynedale United Methodist Church for over 10 years. Jim attended several colleges on his way to becoming a teacher, a career he loved. Fort Wayne Bible College, Olivet Nazarene, Goshen College and St. Francis. He chose to teach elementary students starting in Garrett Indiana. He accepted a position with Fort Wayne Community Schools and taught there for over 38 years. After retiring he also taught classes at Fort Wayne Bible College, Summit Christian and Huntington University. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence R. Baxter, Mary Jane (Keller) Baxter; and son, Robert "Bobby" Baxter. Surviving are his wife, Juanita (Etling) Baxter; son Jeff (Tami) Baxter; five grandchildren, Brian (Cami) Snyder, Melissa (Shane) Styhl, Seth Baxter, Jessica Baxter, and Sam Baxter; and eight great grandchildren. Private graveside services will be held Monday, January 11, 2021. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse Fort Wayne at vnfw.org and the Waynedale United Methodist Church Food Bank. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the Baxter family.