James "Jim" Baumgardner

James (aka Jim) Elias Baumgardner was born May 23rd 1937 in a Lutheran Church Camp in the Pocono Mountains located in Pennsylvania where his parents George (aka Bummy) and Phoebe (Bosserman) Baumgardner were caretakers.

Jim is survived by his childrenAlesia Reese (John), James Baumgardner Jr, Maggie McGonnigil (Ken), Tracye Sanders (Paul). Grandchildren Mandy Childers, Jennifer Rohrbaugh, Justin Reese, Ryan Baumgardner, Ted Jones, Danielle Deford, Paul Dobbs Jr, Kevin Dobbs, Jesica Geeo, Meggan Thor, Shane Geeo, James Geeo Jr, Ashley Dutton, Sarah Conner, 22 great-grandchildren and long-time friend Brandye Payne.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Sonny, Rene, Bobby and Joann; children Richard Baumgardner and J.R. Geeo; daughter-in-law Maria Baumgardner; granddaughter Melissa Baumgardner.

Jim's father passed when he was 1 yr old and his mother and siblings Sonny and Rene lived with his grandmother and aunt for several years in Hanover, PA. When his mother remarried to James Breighner the family moved to Texas, where siblings Bobby and Joann were born.

Jim joined the Air Force when he was 17 years old and served our country during two wars. During his time in the Air Force he was part of Joint Task Force 7 & 8 which tested nuclear weapons. Jim took great pride in serving his country and being a veteran.

Upon leaving the Air Force Jim chose to reside in Houston, TX where he worked for an engineering company and was subsequently trained to repair the glass lining inside chemical storage tanks. After a near fatal accident he decided to do something less risky and went to work managing a bar-b-que restaurant where he earned quite a reputation for his tasty bar-b-que. Upon retirement he and then wife, Joy, moved to Normangee, TX where Jim attempted raising cows, but quickly became bored so he purchased a storm window/door business with his friend Bob Thompson from the engineering firm, and they named the new business B/T Manufacturing. Jim built a large shop next to his house where he built storm windows and doors for many years. He truly enjoyed visiting with new customers over the years and some became longtime friends.

Jim continued barbecuing for people in the community, as well as, donating his services for community events and many fundraising activities until his health declined from diabetes and he could no longer work in his window business or barbecue.

As Jim's health declined he sold his home in Normangee and lived with Maggie in Waxahachie; a senior apt in Bryan close to Tracye, but eventually moved to Clarksville, Tennessee where his granddaughter, Mandy, who is a NP oversaw his medical care.

Jim had several hobbies other than barbecuing, he liked carpentry, making furniture and stained glass pictures, although his favorite times were spent playing with his grandchildren when they were young and pulling them in a wagon with his four wheeler; visiting with family and friends and telling stories from his life.

Jim was a member of the Church of Christ since his late 20's and was always involved in any church he attended whether it was teaching bible class, cooking men's breakfast or helping with various repairs around the building.

Although many may describe Jim as ornery and cantankerous he was truly soft inside and just wanted to be loved and respected.

In memory of Jim donations may be made to his church or the American Diabetes Association.

Oakland Church of Christ 3365 Guthrie Hwy Clarksville, TN 37040