James E. Baisden

James (Jim) E. Baisden, 63, of Wooster, went home to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Jim was seeing waterfalls and visiting the Great Smoky Mountains on the way to a family reunion when he passed unexpectedly from a heart attack. Jim was born February 16, 1962 in Wadsworth to Charles H. and Anna M. (Adkins) Baisden. He attended Norwayne High School, where he met and started dating his high school sweetheart Elaine (Lozier) Baisden on the set of Carousel in the spring of 1980. Jim and Elaine married shortly thereafter and moved to Wooster to start a family. They were married on May 30, 1981. Jim loved people and never met a stranger. Much to the occasional annoyance of his wife and kids, Jim could strike up a full conversation with a stranger standing in line at the fair or grocery store. Jim served as both a den leader and cubmaster for Boy Scouts of America, even after his own children were older. He was a member of the Church of the Cross since 1995. Jim was a dedicated worker who started working at the age of 14 digging ditches for only cents an hour. He worked several jobs before landing a job at Wayne Steel (now Metals USA) in 1990, where he worked for 35 years until he retired due to health issues in January 2025.

One of Jim’s greatest passions was music. A self-taught guitarist, Jim joked that he taught himself how to play from watching the musicians on Hee-Haw. He loved playing and singing at every family event and church function. Starting in the 80s, Jim and Elaine played music at live events and once played before a firework show in front of 10,000 people. They also completed their dream of recording their original songs. Jim loved watching sports and supporting all the Ohio teams, but baseball was his favorite. He remained a lifelong fan of the Indians/Guardians.  Jim also loved fishing, boating, spending summers on the lake, crafting pens, and making coffee. Just the suggestion of a cup of coffee would put a smile on Jim’s face. He loved trying new things and was easy to please. Every new food or treat was “awesome.”

Family was the driving force throughout Jim’s life. One of his proudest accomplishments was seeing all three of his children graduate college. Becoming a grandpa brought out an entirely new energy in Jim. Always laughing and joking, he lovingly earned the nickname “Pop Pop” from his grandchildren by making a popping sound with his finger inside his cheek, sending the kids into fits of giggles.

Already missing him dearly, Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years Elaine; his sons Justin (Stefanie) Baisden and Jared (Mackenzie) Baisden; his daughter Natalyn (Chris Walter) Baisden; his grandchildren Jaxon Hobson, Kingsley Baisden, Luke Walter, Harper Walter, and Sutton Baisden;  his father, Charles Baisden; brother, John (Ivy) Baisden; and sister Janet (Ralph) Lingrel, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Joey Baisden; his mother, Anna M. Baisden; paternal grandparents Harry and Bertha Baisden; and maternal grandparents, Bayless and Carlie Adkins.

Family and friends may call Saturday, May 31st from 10am to 12pm at Church of the Cross United Methodist (5100 Cleveland Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691). Funeral services will follow at 12:00pm with Pastor Thomas Shaw and Pastor James Lance officiating.

Pallbearers will be Justin Baisden, Jared Baisden, Chris Walter, Eric Lozier, Bruce Widmer, and John Price. Honorary pallbearers will include John Baisden, and Ralph Lingrel.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association (AHA): https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/james-baisden