James E. Baldwin

JAMES E. BALDWIN James E. Baldwin, 87, of Leon, West Virginia, formerly of Gallipolis, Ohio passed from this world on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at his home. Jim was born on Williams Hollow on August 23, 1929 to the late Dora Belle (Williams) and Briscoe Hayes Baldwin. He was preceded by his only sibling Urban (Mary) Baldwin of Gallipolis, an infant daughter Theresa Ann, and his eldest grandson Chad Wheeler of Columbus. He was a longtime member of Elizabeth Chapel Church. While attending Gallia Academy, Jim worked at Western Union in Gallipolis delivering telegraphs. After high school graduation, he attended Crawfordsville Indiana Business School and learned telegraph operation. He enjoyed his employment and the many people he met during the years of his law enforcement in Gallia County. Jim was a Patrolman for the City of Gallipolis; worked as Chief Deputy for Sheriff George Ehman, Sheriff Oscar Baird and Sheriff Denver Walker in Gallia County; and was a Chief Security Officer for the State of Ohio at Gallipolis State Institution. He was a former manager of City Loan in Gallipolis and Pomeroy and had worked with Prudential Insurance Jim was proprietor of Jim Baldwin Fine Guns. He spent many hours at the store and traveling to gun shows throughout the eastern United States. Jim was well-known and highly respected in the firearms industry and the gun show circuit. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Ohio Gun Collector’s Association. He was currently an officer of the Board of Directors for the Mason County Action Group of West Virginia. Jim was a 50 year member of Morning Dawn Lodge #7 of Free Accepted Masons of Gallipolis Ohio, Aladdin Temple Shrine of Columbus and Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites of the Valley of Columbus. Jim is survived by his wife Brenda Shirley Baldwin of Leon, West Virginia; two sons, Larry Baldwin of Gallipolis and Allan (Terri) Wheeler of Columbus Ohio; daughter, Melissa (Larry) Evans of Gallipolis; grandchildren, A.J. Wheeler, Josh Evans and Kari Evans; great-grandchildren, C.J. Wheeler and Weston Wheeler; mother-in-law, Emma Shirley; brothers-in-law, Keith (Jane) Shirley and Brian Shirley; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim touched many lives and will be missed by many. Services will begin Saturday, May 27, 2017 with visitation at 10:30 a.m. at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis with Masonic rites by Gallipolis Morning Dawn Lodge at 12:30 p.m. The funeral service will directly follow with Pastor Alfred Holley officiating. Burial will then be at St. Nick Cemetery on Friendly Ridge, Gallipolis. Pallbearers will be John Dixon, Robert “Eric” Fruth, Heath Shirley, Scot Dore, Josh Evans, AJ Wheeler, CJ Wheeler and Weston Wheeler. Honorary Pallbearers are Andrew “Deke “ DeCoy and William “Bill” Miller.