Obituary of James Wilson Baxter

James Wilson Baxter, 100, of Geddes passed away on February 10, 2015 at Upstate Community Hospital. Jim was born at home in Syracuse on February 25, 1914 to Harry C. and Louise Socia Baxter. He was a graduate of Central High School. After putting some time in as a steam engineer in the basement of the Dey Brothers department store where they purchased their own electric power Jim became a commercial electrician and joined the Local 43 electrical union in Syracuse. Jim was a foreman for KR Electric until 1979. While working at the trade he had the opportunity to supervise many of the jobs right in the city of Syracuse such as the Holiday Inn building next to route 81 and the twin dormitories for the university along with work in the Syracuse Hotel. Hw also worked at GE during WWII setting up electric testing equipment to test jet engines. Along the way Jim taught his father how to drive his model T, taught swimming at a YMCA camp and became assistant golf pro at Drumlins. He also met the love of his life, Anne Crowe. They married in 1936 and together raised two children in a loving family environment. Theirs was a union that lasted 70 years until Ann's death in 2006. For many years they traveled to Florida in their motor home to visit family and friends for a few months in the winter. They also owned and enjoyed their time at a summer place on the St. Lawrence River at Alexandria Bay for 20 years. During this time Jim was also elected to act as the trustee for the Lakeside School which was a 2 room school that stood on the corner of Lakeside Road and State Fair Blvd. Jim is predeceased by his brother Edward and sister Adeline Waldron. He is survived by his son James R. (Linda) and his daughter Joan L. (Brad McCarty), grandchildren James M. (Susanne), Linda McVicker Noble (Lloyd) and Susan Baxter Decarlo, 5 great grandchildren, his sister Loretta Farrell of Vero Beach, Florida and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Contributions in Jim's memory can be made to Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps., PO Box 744, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.