William J. Baxter, Jr.

William James (Jim) Baxter, Jr., peacefully went to be with the Lord on Thursday February 18th at the age of 88.

Jim is remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son Jim (Patti), his grandchildren Ian, Bill (Bethie), Sarah (Matthew) and Daniel and his great-grandchildren Jack, Will, Sam, Ben, and Hugo.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Jody, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.  They met while he was attending the University of Pennsylvania and were married in Woodstown, NJ in 1955.

Jim was born to Bill and Grace Baxter on May 8, 1932 in Elizabeth, NJ.  He graduated from Heights High School in Cleveland OH in 1950 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School in 1955. While a student at Penn, he competed on the rowing team as the coxswain of the varsity 8 shell.

Jim started by working at US Motors in Atlanta, GA as a line supervisor. He went on to a distinguished career as a trust officer for Cleveland Trust & Girard Bank in Philadelphia.  He served as school board president to the Garnet Valley School District from 1971-1977.  He opened the award-winning restaurant La Prima Donna in Center City Philadelphia in 1975 and prior to retirement operated Blue Earth flooring in West Chester, PA.

Jim felt privileged to share his faith in Jesus Christ with friends and family and led a weekly home Bible study for 25 years. He enjoyed classic & antique cars, a love which began during high school when he and best friend Bill Ganger bought and rebuilt a Model T Ford.  He also enjoyed camping and spending time at Cape May with his wife and grandchildren. 

The family is planning a life celebration.  Date to be determined.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page.

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