James L. Baldwin

James Lee Baldwin, 72 of Cheboygan, passed away Thursday, June 6th with his

family by his side.  Jim was born October 12,1946 in Miami Florida  to Emmett

and Mary Baldwin the youngest of their three sons.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Ann Hussong on November 12,

1966 and made their home on base in Fairbanks Alaska and then Shreveport

Louisiana.  After the Air Force Jim and his wife moved back to their childhood

hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and he went into retail sales managing Woolworth's

stores in Cincinnati, Taylor Michigan and then finally Cheboygan .   When

Woolworth's closed in Cheboygan,  Jim and his family had fallen in love with the

small town and decided to stay and open up their own "dime store" called

Rivertown Cargo in 1984.  As his children were getting older Jim and his family

decided to open souivner -tourist shops on Mackinac Island (1992) and Mackinaw

City (1994).  Soon after that they closed Rivertown Cargo in Cheboygan.  Jim

retired in 2007 and two of his children took over the Mackinaw City shop

"Acatsgrin- Tourist Trap".

Jim's number one priority in life was his family.  They enjoyed many trips and

outings together making wonderful memories that will be cherished forever.  Jim

always had new ideas and he always had a plan for everything .   His favorite

business saying was "you always got to stick your neck out and see what happens "

which reflected in his successful businesses. During retirement Jim  enjoyed

spending time with his grandchildren, watching their hockey games and working in

his woodshop building things.  He was involved in the Cheboygan Downtown

Development Authority, Rivertown Follies, Cheboygan Snowmobile Club and the

Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his three children, Gina (Chris) Golec of Highlands Ranch, CO.,

Todd (Donna) Baldwin of Cheboygan and Bridget (Jeremy) Pellenz of Cheboygan;

special grandchildren, Tyler, Hailey (Frankie) Nolan, Glenn, Blaine, Dylan,

Addyson, Ava and Kaden; his significant other, Denise Clark and his brother, Dan

(Judy) Baldwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry and his brother, Bob

Baldwin.

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A graveside service will take place 12:00 PM Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at St.

Francis Cemetery in Cheboygan followed by a celebration of life luncheon at

Benton Township Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cheboygan

Hockey Association Scholarship Fund . Gaylord Community Funeral Home &

Cremation Service is handling the arrangements. Please share your memories and

personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com