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James Wall Obituary
CBS News says Wall died Wednesday in New York City after a short illness.
The former vaudevillian joined the popular children's show in 1962 as a stage manager before persuading the show's producers to create its first black character in 1968.
He played Baxter and another recurring roll on the show until 1978.
Wall was a stage manager for many CBS broadcasts over the years, including "60 Minutes," "Face the Nation," and the US Open Tennis Championships.
In 1994, Wall was honored with an achievement award by the Director's Guild of America.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
116 Entries
Linda Dabo
September 21, 2022
I wondered for years where was Jimmy Wall. He was so knowledgeable and basically intelligent. I remember him as a stage manager for 60 Minutes. I looked for years online and found no info. He was amazing tap dancer. I know because he showed me in the studio "buck & wings". He had a scrapbook. I wonder what happened to it. Very little is mentioned online about his vaudeville days. I know he told me about his tap dancer partner. I can't remember the name. What a joyous life he had full of wonderful experiences that just kept coming his way.
Bruce Barry
November 7, 2010
I had the pleasure and great honor to work with Jimmy on the Captain Kangaroo Show in the mid 70's He was always a gentleman and a professional who put the good of the show first and foremost. I was just a "kid" starting in the business then, and he became a mentor to me as well as many others in the Captain Kangaroo family. He will always be a large part of my fond memories of the show.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
November 4, 2010
Floyd Seaburn & Family Jolette, Mo.
How you can show support
Pamela Graham
November 1, 2010
Time is short and I am so sorry I never got up to see you and Dolly during the summer. I put it off and put it off and now you're gone. I promise I will see her and help her through this. She is having a rough time. She loves you and misses you, as I.
Drea Rollman
November 1, 2010
Thanks for all the fun memories! You helped make my childhood brighter! A glance for the newest star in the night sky.
Roy DeHaven
November 1, 2010
Thanks for the smiles you brought to so many. God Bless your family and friends.
barbara
November 1, 2010
goodbye and rest in peace . I really enjoyed captain kangaroo you will be truly missed
November 1, 2010
Good bless the memories of Mr. Walls(Mr. Baxter) on Captian Kangaroo Show.TV was much safer for children then.Gone but not forgotten. Rev. Burns
November 1, 2010
I loved Captain Kangaroo when I was a child, and probably still watch the show if it was on today. I didn't realize Mr Baxter had so much talent. He and the Captain were such a delight for growing up and showing us so much fun. Sharen, Illinois.
Regina Berkemer
November 1, 2010
I hope you and the captian will have many adventures in Heaven together. Until I come home to play......... Reggie B.( Columbus,Ohio)
kathleen milliken
October 31, 2010
J.E. It was such a pleasure to meet you and Dollie. Wish I had known you earlier, but at least I got to see you twice in my life - you were one of the most entertaining people I have ever met - a true blessing. rest in peace.
Henry E. Wall
October 31, 2010
Thanks for your help and understanding during Mother's illness. Your stories enlightened us all and you will always be remembered. JE, we will truly miss you.
joseph mendza
October 31, 2010
goodbye dear friend captain kangaroo was my favorite tv show in the i960s rest in peace james wall great tv show captain kangaroo my deepest condolences [email protected] ...................................
Theresa
October 31, 2010
Mr Wall touched so many people, I thank you for that.
dennis and donna hicks
October 31, 2010
We will miss you. our prayers are with your family and friends.
dorothy dickie
October 31, 2010
I REMEMBER GROWING UP WITH CAPTAIN KANGAROO ,
MR. BAXTER HAD A WARM AND GENTLE VOICE AS THE CHARACTER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR Family
Raven Wilkins
October 31, 2010
We will miss you Uncle Jay. Don't worry about Aunt Dolly, we will all continue to take care of her when she gets to DC. We know you will work through Jet to help us. Jet has worked very hard a as you know and we are all glad that he was there when you you went to heaven.
Raven A. Wilkins
Ed G.
October 31, 2010
Rest in peace JW, and thanks for the memories.
Mary E. Bowman
October 31, 2010
My condolences to the Wall family. I truly enjoyed "Mr. Baxter" and will cherish the memories given to me as a child. Thank you, Mr. Baxter, and may you enjoy your New Life in Heaven. God Bless you and your family.
Tara
October 31, 2010
My condolences for Mr Wall's family. God bless you all.
Mr Baxter thanks for the momories.
Russell Richmond
October 31, 2010
Thanks for the memories "Mr. Baxter" May God hold you in his arms.
Carlos
October 31, 2010
Our condolences to Wall's family. James will be remembered for all people who he touched through his live. But more important, will be remembered for our God. He will bring James to live according with the promise on the Bible.
Hazel
October 31, 2010
May God light His world with one wonderful man that made so many children smile..
thomas wesphaguson
October 30, 2010
My prayers to the Walls family, for a person of service some never knew. A credit to entertainment who opened doors such that others now do. I always wondered who's Mr. Baxter, in real life, now I learneth even more. The show now moves up to a higher level, and with it comes the blessings of the Lord for a loving family.
SUSAN ELLIOTT
October 30, 2010
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY IREMEMBER HIM ON THE SHOW HE WILL BE MISSED CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE WHO KNEW HIM
October 30, 2010
Thanks for the memories!
October 30, 2010
To the Wall Family,
What a wonderful part he had on the Captain Kangaroo Show as Mr.Baxter, he was such a role model for black children. He must have made many memories for his family and friends I know he will be missed by all.
In this difficult please find comfort from the following thought at Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
CINDY
October 30, 2010
MAY THE FAMILY OF MR. BAXTER KNOW THAT HE WAS LOVED BY ALL THE BABY BOOMERS WATCHING CAPTIAN KANGAROO ON SATURDAY MORNINGS. THANK-YOU FOR SHARING HIM
Karen Lambert
October 30, 2010
Your journey in this life was certainly appreciated by a lot of us.
Loved your character on Captain Kangaroo!
Condolences on Mr. Wall's passing to the family.
Shelia Walker
October 30, 2010
Thank you for being a joy in my childhood,I'll always treasure my saturday mornings with Mr. Baxter and Captain Kangaroo. May God Bless and keep you!
Marie
October 30, 2010
My children and I watched Captain and his pals for years. I had the honor of meeting Captain in the Red Book Store in St. Paul. I remember Mr. Baxter also and the thrills he brought to all of us. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Will Hargrove
October 30, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rhonda L. Edwards
October 30, 2010
I grew up watching Captain Kangaroo.I still have fond memories of the Captain,Mr Green Jeans, Bunny Rabbit and Mr.Baxter. Thank You Mr Wall.For the memories. In Deep Sympathy
GRAY NICKENS
October 30, 2010
Thank you for the great memories!! I grew up watching Captain Kangaroo and Mr.Baxter was cool. Thanks for inspiring my life!!
L. Livingston
October 30, 2010
Wall Family,
May the God of all tender mercies who comfort us in our our pain and sorrow; give you all the needed strenght to endure.
Shirley Griffin
October 30, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss may the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
October 30, 2010
My sympathy goes to Mr. Wall's family . I also grew up
watching Captain Kangaroo. He was Mr. Baxter to
all the children watching the show. Those are precious
memories for the children of that time. Thank you for making
our childhood better.
Denise ( Statesville, NC )
Harts
October 30, 2010
Our condolences to James' family,
May the tender mercies and comfort of our Heavenly Father be with you all. With deep sympathy,
Tamla South
October 29, 2010
Thank you for the great memories!! I grew up watching Captain Kangaroo and its a part of who I am now! Thanks for inspiring my life!!
christine ingram
October 29, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
sherquetta ingram
October 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Sanders and Gant Families
October 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
A LEGEND,THANKYOU FOR IMPLEMENTING OUR BEAUTIFUL FACES AND BEING A MAN OF INTEGRITY AND I HONOR AND SALUTE YOU,BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!
BUTTER GARRETT
October 29, 2010
Sadie Sartre
October 29, 2010
Thank you for those lovely hours in the Treasure House. Those were lovely times for a great many children and you helped craft many of us into honorable and decent adults. I can honestly say that I have loved each and every one who inhabited the wonderful world of the Captain, Mr. Green Jeans, Bunny Rabbit, Mister Mouse, Mister Baxter, as well as the scores of visitors who made mornings a safe and amazing place.
Thank you, Mister Wall, for everything.
Sadie Sartre
October 29, 2010
Thank you for those lovely hours in the Treasure House. Those were miraculous times for a great many of us children and you helped craft many of us into honorable and decent adults. I can honestly say that I have loved each and every one who inhabited the wonderful world of the Captain, Mr. Green Jeans, Bunny Rabbit, Mister Mouse, Mister Baxter, as well as the scores of visitors who made mornings a safe and amazing place. Thank you, Mister Wall, for everything.
Stacey S
October 29, 2010
Captain Kangaroo was a big part of my life growing up. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to u and the family. I pray for comfort and healing through this difficult time.
Lisa McFerson (Robinson)
October 29, 2010
J.E. Wall was my first cousin, once removed on my mother's side. He was the nephew of my grandfather Henry C. Wall. I always loved his great stories, booming voice and big hugs. I was very proud to tell my friends of his wonderful life adventures and accomplishments, especially the fact that he was "Mr. Baxter" on Captain Kangaroo. I will miss you J.E. Thank you for the legacy you have established for our family. Rest in Peace. Lisa McFerson, Christopher Robinson and Leonard McFerson, Jr.
Pat Taylor
October 29, 2010
Captain Kangaroo was a big part of my growing up, and was a big part of the training that we all got by osmosis. Mr. Baxter was a great part of that! Mr. Wall will always be remembered with great fondness.
M`Victoria~ VZj
October 29, 2010
So sad Thanks for
Bringing your kind
Talent to past
era Mr.Kangaroo shows..
Sentiments to MrJames wall
And to all his Family...
May you rest well 'James'
October 29, 2010
What a talented man Mr. Wall was.
(Rev. 21:4).
Michele Williamson
October 29, 2010
I read the paper today and another little piece of my childhood is gone. Rest in Peace "Mr. Baxter"...you made many moments of my TV time all the better with your presence.
David Coleman
October 29, 2010
James Wall is my Great Uncle on my mother's side. I remember watching Captain Kangaroo as a little boy and being so proud to say who he was to my friends. I will miss him greatly. I last spent time with him in 1996. I wish I spent more. God Bless his soul. Thanks Uncle J for your Love and memories. David Coleman (NJ)
Jamie Toomer -Reichert
October 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gregory Laurinat
October 29, 2010
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Wall and to the Wall Family. I was a great admirer of Mr. Wall and the other stars of Captain. They made the world a far better place for having been here. Sincerely, Gregory Laurinat
The Youngs
October 29, 2010
Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wall. He and the Captain were a wonderful part of our childhood. God bless...
October 29, 2010
Thank God for Mr. Wall all the wonderful years doing a great job. Prayers and Comfort for his family.
Mary,
Martinsville, Va.
Christine Gibson
October 29, 2010
Mr. Baxters' Family
I enjoyed The Capt., but Mr. Baxter always made me so PROUD. This show has helped the world become what we have today. Rest in Peace.
Taffie Maynard
October 29, 2010
Thanks Mr. Baxter for babysitting many of us who had the luxury of having a television. My God keep your family in in his care.
T.Maynard Atl
lisa king
October 29, 2010
I wish the family well.keep the faith that the lord above will lift the hearts of all. Remember the lord makes no mistakes..
Mary Jeffers
October 29, 2010
In Memory of James Wall: May God strengthen your family at this time.
I grew up watching Captain Kangaroo and enjoyed the show. May he rest in peace.
Ranger Paul
October 29, 2010
We will miss the ol' Kangaroo sidekick. Great actor. 92 is far too soon.
RIP Baxxie
October 29, 2010
Thank you Thank you for being in childrens lives. I grew up with the Captain and I'm 62. Wonderful that you gave so much to our youth. God bless...... Captains keys are a jingling for you....... the Montgomerys
Debbie Duke
October 29, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful childhood memories you created for millions of children. We have lost a very special person. May God be with your family.
Jane Dowling
October 29, 2010
God bless you and keep you...
Dolon Peete
October 29, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Dixie Toatley-Norris
October 29, 2010
Great memories of Mr. Baxter on the show. God bless Mr. Baxter with a very long and bless life. My prayers are with the family.
Katherine Alexander
October 29, 2010
I remember Mr. Baxter when I was growing up. We would watch Captain Kangaroo every morning before school. Thanks you for the fond memories. May the peace of God rest rule and abide with you through these sad times.
Theresa Fulmer
October 29, 2010
I remember Mr. Baxter (James Wall) from my childhood. I always thought his character was great and fun to watch. He will be missed by all. God bless his family and comfort them at this time.
Fernando Rodriguez
October 29, 2010
My condolences to the Wall family. I grew up watching Captain Kangaroo as a kid. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
October 29, 2010
YOU WERE BLESS;
DONNA (LIZELLA GEORGIA)
James Yarrell
October 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 29, 2010
Mr. Baxter...yes I remember my childhood days looking back on Captain Kangaroo and you being the neighbor..Thank you for the childhood learning days and the memories that went along. May you rest in peace.
g watson
October 29, 2010
James will be missed. May God Bless The Family.
Howard Kennedy
October 29, 2010
Thanks for the memories. You were a part of my daily routine while growing up.
Renata Jones
October 29, 2010
To the family of Mr. Wall, as I child it was a blessing to see someone like me on televiosn. I hope you know what a difference your loved one made in the lives of many people like me. Thank you for the memories. Be strong in the Lord and know that HE makes no mistakes.
Tami Bramblett
October 29, 2010
I fondly remember Mr. Baxter as a child (born in 1967). I was able to grow up not realizing the color of his skin was in anyway unique. As a white child, I just ASSUMED all colors lived in the same neighborhoods. Thank you for that. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends as this time of loss. Jesus will restore all in time. God Bless.
Karen Coles
October 29, 2010
To the family of Mr. Wall, thank you for allowing him to be a part of so many lives known and unknown. Thanks to him for opening doors that we might not otherwise have been able to walk through as Americans of color.
Roslyn Allen
October 29, 2010
I am an African American woman that did not get a chance to watch his show growing up because it was not on the air in South Carolina in those days. We are grateful for what he achieved and leading the way for all of us that come behind him.
Andre Thompson
October 29, 2010
Thanks for all the fond memories. I was a little child, but I am thankful for positive role models. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace and My God Grant your family Comfort in their time of bereavement.
October 29, 2010
Blessings on a long life, condolences to the family.
Tammye Wright-Miller
October 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Allen .T. Wilson
October 29, 2010
So sorry to hear of Mr.Walls' passing,I know growing up in the early 1970's watching Capt. Kangaroo,Ialways enjoyed watching the segments of Mr.Baxter.He was an inspiration to myself,and millions of children worldwide.May GOD console you in this time of sorrow! Rest in Peace my Friend.GOD has a special place for a Wonderful Person such as Mr.Wall......
sherri
October 29, 2010
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I love Captain Kangaroo and I remember you! May God rest your soul.
GiGi
October 29, 2010
We are forever greatful for you to paving the way for many of us. Rest in peace
JanieLee Hunter
October 29, 2010
Heaven welcomes you. We say Good bye for now, may your voice be forever a beacon in our hearts. Rest, Rest, We loved you. God loves you best.
Tiernee-Malina Deveaux
October 29, 2010
Wow, I remember "Mr. Baxter". He and the Captain were neighbors back when television was ok for children to watch. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Annie Windebank
October 29, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Wall. We loved you, "Mr. Baxter". You were so kind.
LC Baston
October 29, 2010
A true pioneer in my generation - RIP
Geral Williams
October 29, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sue W
October 29, 2010
How sad! I loved that show and remember him well!
Annette Asbill
October 29, 2010
My (5) children enjoyed the show emencely for many years! There are no shows these days that match the goodness and innocence of those days for children. So much violence shows up even in cartoons. May God comfort the families.
david kranz
October 29, 2010
Life was a lot simpler with Captain Kangaroo and his gang
A Fan
October 29, 2010
Celebrating a life well-lived!!May your memories of the joy he brought and the hope of the resurrection sustain you at this sad time.
delores
October 29, 2010
well done. R.I.P
Keith Bube
October 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wall family - I loved Mr. Baxter when I was a kid - Thanks for all the great memories Mr. Baxter!!!
Dennis Robertson
October 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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