James Allen Baskett

At 89 years old, he was sharp-minded and enjoyed the challenge of learning all the latest technology and gadgets. He loved spending time with his family and still worked part-time at his long-time employer Orange County Crating.

Jim was born in Oklahoma City on June 28, 1932 to Clyde Allen and Audria Faye. When he was an infant his family moved to Torrance, CA where he attended school. Jim moved back to Oklahoma in 1945 to go to high school and help his grandparents. He graduated from Gotebo High School in 1950.

Jim proudly served in the United States Navy where he was part of the flag ship and earned the rank of Quartermaster 2. In 1954, he assisted in Operation Passage to Freedom where the US Navy evacuated 310,000 Vietnamese civilians, soldiers and non-Vietnamese members of the French Army from communist North Vietnam to non-communist South Vietnam.

While in the Navy, Jim met Barbara Jean Ferris at a square dance hall. Little did he know at the time, that she would become the love of his life. They were married June 23, 1955 and their love and devotion created a beautiful family and life together that lasted for 57 years.

Through the years Jim enjoyed playing baseball, coaching his children’s sports teams, watching baseball and basketball, bowling, golf, traveling in his motorhome, fishing in Mexico and drinking beer. He lived a full and happy life.

Jim is survived by a large family - his daughter Darla and John McMullen, daughter Cynthia and Keith Miller, daughter Patricia and Doug Romine, daughter in law Debbie Baskett, daughter Sharon and Wayne Froboese. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren (and spouses) and 5 great-grandchildren. Alicia (Jeremy), Melissa, Eric (Trisha), Jason (Jessica), Melondy (Jordan), Amanda (Andrew), Jeremy (Chelsea), Alyson, Tyler (Britney), Mathias, Caitlin, Michael, Sean, Taylor, Connor, Isiah, Micah, Sariah, Isabelle and Hayden.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret, brother Raymond, wife Barbara, son Gary, and grandson Bradley.

Funeral Services will be held at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, CA. Visitation will be Friday, April 29th from 5-8 PM and the Funeral followed by Graveside Services will be Saturday April 30th at 12 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Baskett family.