James Baxter

MERCER/MADISON-James C. Baxter, age 76, of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and Mercer, passed away from complications due to multiple health conditions on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, at UW Hospital, in Madison, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Nov. 10, 1940, in Black River Falls, the son of Thomas Eloy and Clarice (Nelson) Baxter.  His family moved to Madison in 1946, and he attended St. James School and Edgewood High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball.  He attended UW-Madison, where he was on the boxing team and played varsity baseball while earning a B.S. degree in Economics.  He married Ann Goggin on August 11, 1962, in Madison. Jim worked in administration for the University of Wisconsin System for more than 30 years.  He also combined his love of the outdoors with his gift of writing by penning an outdoor sports column for the Capitol Times for more than five years during the 1960’s. Jim shared his passion for nature with his children, and they grew up camping throughout Wisconsin each summer and fishing in the lakes and trout streams surrounding Madison.  The cabin in Mercer has been the family gathering place since 1981. Jim was an avid fan of the Brewers, Packers and all UW athletic teams, particularly the 1988-1991 women’s soccer team.  Over the years, he brought his daughters and grandchildren to many UW baseball, basketball and especially football games. Jim put his family above all else. He greatly loved his loyal and caring wife and strong-willed daughters. Jim was a proud father but his true calling was as a grandfather.  He was happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren.  Jim supported both his daughters’ and grandchildren’s athletic pursuits, attending many meets and games.  James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ann; four daughters, Mary (Ed) Baxter Williams, Clare (Mike) McCoy, Laurie (Bob Hanson) Baxter and Liz (Brad) Davis; eleven grandchildren, Eddie and Tyler Williams, Ryan, Kerry and Conor McCoy and Stephanie Ortmeier (Josh), Abby and Timmy Hanson, and Lauren, Caroline and Clare Davis; three great-grandchildren, Aidan, Max and Addison Ortmeier; siblings, Marlene Woehler (Gene) and Joe (Georgia) Baxter; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, Tom. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2121 Rowley Ave, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, with Father Andy McAlpin and Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Family Children’s Hospital or a charity of choice.