Emery "Jay" Baldwin, III

Madison - Emery “Jay” Baldwin, age 71, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on December 13, 1953, in Rutherford College, N.C., the son of Emery and Hazel (Mallory) Baldwin. Jay was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Jay was a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and worked for them for many years. His experiences with Intervarsity had a huge impact on his spiritual life. After leaving Intervarsity, he worked for CUNA mutual for many years. Jay attended Blackhawk Church for many years. He was involved with Stephan Ministries and volunteered in other areas of Blackhawk Church. Most recently he has been attending Christ Church in Madison. Jay was an active participant in church life, a member of a small group, and a devoted Sunday morning Scripture Reader. He was beloved and will be greatly missed. He also volunteered at Agrace HospiceCare.

Jay loved sports, especially football and basketball. He has been an avid Green Bay Packers Fan since high school. He loved the chance to go to a game in Lambeau. Being a southern boy, the cold weather did not deter him from seeing his beloved Packers. He followed the Badgers in both basketball and football. However, his favorite basketball team was the UNC Tar Heels. He might not be able to remember what he had for lunch yesterday, but he could quote the final score of a Tar Heels Basketball game in a specific year. He loved reading and has a large collection of books on personal and spiritual growth, leadership in the workplace and history.

Jay had a wonderful sense of humor. He had a contagious laugh that was difficult for him to do quietly. If he had to laugh quietly, the earth would shake near him. Because of his wonderful laugh, he could make any person feel like a comedian. His children share his love of laughter. Jay loved his family and always wanted the best for them.

Jay is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca (Benjamin) Szymanski and Rachel (Aaron) Gustum; son, Nathaniel Baldwin; six grandchildren, Eleanor Szymanski, Maisie Symanski, Owen Symanski, Genevieve Gustum, Harlan Gustum and Samson Gustum; two sisters, Amy (Rob) Lancaster and Elaine (Bud) Gaffney; ex-wife, Tommye Sparks; and nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at Blackhawk Church, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with Pastor Joel Hassenzahl presiding. A small reception of cookies and coffee will be served after the service.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity to be designated at a later date would be preferred. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761