James "Jim" Edward Baxter

James "Jim" Edward Baxter, age 84, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 2:09 pm Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Beth Haven Nursing Home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Pastor Tom Day will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Jim's life will be held at 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday June 27, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Jim was born on May 28, 1940, in Newtown, MO the son of Charles Stanford and Etta Evelyn (Hunter) Baxter.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Ball on August 21, 1966, in Ethel, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon of the home, two sons, Michael "Mike" Baxter and wife Amber of Hannibal, MO and Mark Baxter and wife Arena of New London, MO; four grandchildren, Adam Baxter, Cole Baxter, Alexis Baxter and Dallas Baxter.

Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Debbie Frizzell, Bill and Annie Weitzel, Deanna and Mike Lauhoff, Tina Allen, and Nathan Biswell.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baxter was preceded in death by a by his sister, Marietta Weitzel, brother-in-law, Bob Weitzel, infant sister, Evelyn Marie Baxter, father and mother-in-law, Finis and Catherine Ball and sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Junior Biswell.

Jim graduated from Newtown High School in the class of 1962 and went on to further his education at NEMO State Teachers College, earning his bachelor’s degree, he later went back to NEMO State College and earned his master’s degree in 1966 and ended his education earning a specialist degree in 1970 at Central Missouri State College.

Professionally Jim wore many hats, he first taught wood shop and electronics in Ethel, MO and for twenty-eight years for Hannibal Public Schools. He took pride in the fact that for several years he had top woodworking students compete in the state level. He also taught drivers education for several years. He was proud to be in the carpentry business with his son Mark for several years working on numerous projects around Hannibal.  Jim was a talented woodworker that could make or fix just about anything.  He loved making wooden toys for his toy company Mark Twain Toys.  He enjoyed selling these toys at craft shows and various vendor events around the Hannibal area.  Most of all he enjoyed visiting with people and teaching students regardless of their age.  After retirement from the Hannibal Public Schools, Mr. Baxter owned and operated Baxter Safety Lock for eighteen years with his wife alongside him.

Mr. Baxter enjoyed teaching his sons and other kids through the Boy Scouts alongside his friends, Don Henderson and Tim McLain, he served as the Den Leader and Assistant Scout Master. Christmas was a special time for Jim. His yard was well known with cars streaming by for a peek at his handmade Christmas decorations and lights.  Jim would dress up as Santa and pass out Candy Canes to the children, Hershey Kisses to the lady's and Peanuts to the gentleman.  Jim had a love for flying and had earned his Pilot's License.  He had applied for the Teacher In Space Program and he was one of the top finalist but fell short of fulfilling that dream.

Mr. Baxter's love for the Lord, family and woodworking will be forever remembered by hundreds of students and his legacy will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren.

The family would like to give special thanks to the employees of Beth Haven and Ashley Maddox for their love and care Jim received.

James was a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Trustee.

Pallbearers will be Adam Baxter, Alexis Baxter, Dallas Baxter, Cole Baxter, Jim Nemes, and Jim Tatman

Honorary Pallbearers will be Wally Johnessee, John Clayton, Ronald Hunt, Larry Vandyne, Dick Kramer, Francis Wells, Don Hart, Doug Martin, Mike Harper and Jim's former colleagues and woodshop students.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fifth Street Baptist Church or NEMO Humane Society, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Jim's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com