James B. "Jim" Baze

Alton:

James “Jim” B. Baze, 86, of Alton, Ill., went to be with his eternal savior Jesus Christ at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, surrounded by his four children. He was born on Dec. 5, 1937, in White Hall, Ill., the second son of the late Charlie and Alice (Pearl) Baze. He married his high school sweetheart Lena Belle Henry, on Sept. 8, 1955, in Alton, Ill. She was his special angel who taught him how to love and preceded him in death. Survivors include two daughters: Melinda Brooks of Alton, Ill., Debby Whitney of Alton, Ill.; two sons and a daughter-in-law: James “Jim” Baze of Godfrey, Ill., and Joe and Debbie Baze of Godfrey, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; Marissa, Sarah (Nick), Jonathan (Ashleigh), Christine, Julia (Ben), Jason, Josh, Jacob, Cameron (Taylor), Zack, and Chloe; and nine great-grandchildren; three sisters and a brother-in-law: Dottie Harbison, of Wood River, Ill., Joella Wyman of Hardin, Ill., and Geneva and Danny Duff of Kuttawa, Ky.; and two brothers and sisters-in-law: Timothy and Gayla Baze of Alton, Ill., and Jack and Charlene Baze of Fosterburg, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Jim was a dedicated father, husband, and provider who put everything he had into creating the best life for his family. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy, including in a combat tour in Vietnam, and retired as a two-star Master Chief Petty Officer. He was a member of the VFW Post 1308 in Alton. Jim was formerly employed at the Brightspot Drive-in in Alton, Ill., Laclede Steel in Alton, Ill., and at Procter & Gamble in St. Louis, for sixteen years as a Machinery Manager. He also owned and operated J.B. Baze Enterprises, LLC, a real estate company, in Alton for several years prior to his retirement. He mentored his sons, and many others, in investment real estate, as it gave him joy to watch them grow and succeed.

Jim loved having his house full of family, so he, and his sons, built Lena her dream home where they often hosted cherished family celebrations. Their home was a sanctuary for the whole family, who knew they could always find Grandpa Jim there ready to listen, create a plan, and problem solve any challenges life brought.

Jim was a former member of Walkerville Baptist Church in Walkerville, Ill., and was more recently a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, Ill. He was baptized in 2022 when he realized that God had watched over him his entire life, and what he had attributed to luck or chance, he knew now, was God’s will. He became an avid Bible student and made many precious friendships at Calvary Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law: Ricky Brooks; a daughter-in-law: Linda (Hans) Baze; and three brothers: Charles, Robert, and Vernon.

In celebration of his life, visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, Ill. Rev. Andre’ Dobson will officiate. Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital and/or the Calvary Baptist School Project and will be accepted at the services.