James "Jimmy" Barnhill Baldwin, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on March 28, 2018, after a long illness. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren who released him into the presence of his Lord, and into the arms of his beloved wife Betty. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Cunningham Baldwin, brothers Kenton Baldwin, and Robert Baldwin.

Jimmy's father died before he was born. He was raised by his devoted mother and stepfather Frank Layton, and his Uncle Marion and Aunt Olney who loved him like a son. Jimmy lived a life of devoted service to God, steadfast and faithful love for his wife of 64 years, and tender affection for his five children and ten grandchildren. He loved nothing better than hosing his grandkids while their parents were away and attending their sports events and recitals. He taught his family that when commitment to one another is interlaced with grace and forgiveness, every obstacle can be overcome.

As a salesperson, first with Mid-South Packers, then with Alabama Paper and Metal Ware, Jimmy embodied the concept of service by relationship. He genuinely enjoyed getting to know the men and women he served in business and secured his clients' loyalty, as much out of the relationship he built with them as though the quality of the products he sold. He worked tirelessly to feed his large family and volunteered thousands of hours at First Baptist Church feeding the souls of junior high boys in Sunday School, feeding the poor through the church's Caring Center, and feeding the needs of the church by encouraging his fellow members to pledge their support.

Jimmy will be missed by so many, but he left a legacy of love and service that will continue on indefinitely. He is survived by his sister Ann Layton Birchfield of Jacksonville, Florida, his five children: Pamela Baldwin Ross of Marietta, Georgia; James Bruce Baldwin (Mary Ann) of Hillsborough, North Carolina; Patti Baldwin Ricotta of Chatham, Massachusetts, Scott Evans Baldwin (Lesia) of Montgomery, Alabama; Lori Baldwin Arnold of Montgomery, Alabama; and ten grandchildren: Ethan and Christa Ross; Matthew and Scott Baldwin; Stephen, Jonathan and Andrew Ricotta; Evan and Alex Baldwin; Madison Arnold.

Following a time of visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel there will be a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, March 31st.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to:

• Alzheimer's Association
  Alabama Florida Panhandle
  2151 Highland Avenue South - Ste 210
  Birmingham AL 35205

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Mar. 30, 2018.