James Raymond Baldwin

James Raymond Baldwin, age 90 of 1029 Courtland Village Dr., Sanford, NC passed on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at his residence.

James Raymond Baldwin, Sr. was the youngest son and soul survivor of the children of Charlie Baldwin and Pearlie Thompson Baldwin. He was born on September 27, 1928 and entered into his heavenly home on Saturday July 6, 2019.

James was truly dedicated to the work and ministry of God. He joined Tempting Congregational Church at 15 years of age. He served in many capacities and understood what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He was the Chairman Deacon for many years, Sunday School Superintendent, member of the Tempting Senior Choir where he enjoyed playing his guitar.  He helped establish the Tempting Travelers and he loved his church. He assisted with the rebuilding the church by donating his time with plumbing, carpentry, and his electrical skills. He showed excitement when he had an opportunity to attend the Congregational Churches Conferences and also during the Fifth Sunday Reunion. He loved to connect with his friends from the other conference churches. He also loved traveling with the choir, The Spiritual Five, and Tempting Travelers to other churches while spreading the gospel through song.

He gained his love for music by listening to his father play his banjo. He started playing the guitar and kept practicing and gleaning from various musicians and passed it on down to his sons, nephews and others. He was well known for his plumbing skills and served his community well by helping different ones installing their indoor plumbing. He worked for Riddick Plumbing Company for 40+ years. He had a great sense of community and family as he and his neighbors helped each other to make additions on their homes. He missed his calling as a stand-up comedian, because he would always have everyone laughing from his jokes and his story telling. 

On February 14, 1949, he married his soulmate, Vandaliah Jackson Baldwin. To this union, nine children was born.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Vandaliah Jackson Baldwin; three sons, Melvin Lee Baldwin, Willie Anthony Baldwin, and Milton Lewis Baldwin; his siblings, Lucy (Missy), Viola, Henry, Lili Mae, Drissie, Charlie, Lessie, Elizabeth and Willie.

He leaves to cherish his memories, five sons and one daughter; James R. Baldwin Jr. and Paul L. Baldwin of Sanford, NC; Ronald E. Baldwin (Sonia) Riverside, Ca; Sharon B. Williams of Sanford, NC; Arnold Baldwin (Sayori) Rancho Cucamonga, Ca; and Stanley R. Baldwin (Louise) of Greensboro, NC; and daughter-in-law, Stephanie R. Baldwin of Fayetteville, NC; thirty three grandchildren, sixty-three great grandchildren, fifteen great great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Dr. Sharon Williams 3007 Poplar Springs Ch. Rd. Sanford, NC. 

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford