James Stewart Baum

James Stewart Baum, 61, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Visitations will be held Monday, May 3, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Griffin Mortuary Chapel. Private Disposition will follow under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. James was born on February 22, 1963 to James Gerald and Margaret Ann Baum. In his youth, Jim made quite a name for himself racing bicycles professionally and was nationally ranked. After a brief and unsuccessful rock throwing career, he dabbled in radio while in high school. Upon graduation, Jim enrolled at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. His major was Geology, and while he didn't complete that goal, he did learn what an Alluvial Fan was. Gene Dog, as many lovingly called him over the years, found his calling working with his hands in the oil field as a roughneck. Jim and hard work were synonymous, and he spent over thirty-years pulling money out of the ground. Jim loved music and Stevie Ray Vaughan in particular. Jim also loved to talk and hearing that Texas twang was something to behold. His wit and way with words were legendary and come straight from his mom and dad. Jim struggled with physical pain and other challenges but always kept his soft heart and didn't let his struggles define him. He's best defined as having a huge heart, wicked sense of humor and a happy factor that was off the charts. Jim was a child of God, loved by many and his soft heart was a shining example of who he was. Our family has lost a valued member but the memories, trips to Leakey, the good times at 1000 E. 20th in Big Spring plus a thousand other places will forever warm our hearts. Every time we see a Blue bird, we'll know it's you and that you're as happy as can be. God bless you James Stewart Baum. It was a pleasure to have you in our lives, and until we meet again, fly freely over the heavens.

James is preceded in death by his parents James Gerald and Margaret Ann Baum, his wife Katherine Rumbaugh Baum, and his daughter Shumardii Nicole Baum.

James leaves behind to cherish his memory; his father’s wife Linda Sample Baum, his daughter Miranda (Ronnie) Jett, his son Richard Baum, his sister Laura Baum, his brothers Bill (Sharon Linerode) Baum, and Doug (Patricia Laubert) Baum, his 14 grandchildren, his one great grandson, his nieces Grace White, Kate White, Vanessa Baum, Delany Baum, and Bailey Curtis, his nephews Pecos Baum, and Graham White, and a host of other relatives and friends.