Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
Jefferson Jones (JJ) Baskin passed in his Austin home holding the hand of his beloved wife Joy just past midnight on March 25, 2015, following his valiant year-long fight with cancer and the celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary. JJ was a Texan. He lived his entire life in Texas. Born in Midland on June 21, 1966, JJ attended Midland Independent School District schools, graduating in 1984 from Midland High School. He was active in band, drama and speech, and performed at Midland Community Theatre. He then attended Trinity University in San Antonio, where he graduated in 1988 with a B.A. in Political Science. Immediately thereafter, he moved to Austin, where he later attended the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas and earned a Master of Public Affairs (MPAff.) He lived the remainder of his life in Austin. JJ was a tireless public and community servant. Early in his career, he worked for Bob Bullock in the Texas State Comptroller's Office and was one of the first employees in the successful Attorney General campaign of Dan Morales. Though primarily a Democrat, JJ was actively involved in political campaigns for those public servants-Democratic or Republican-who supported his values, in particular those of education. JJ was a Director of the Texas Lyceum, which is dedicated to educating Texans, through a non-partisan and non-political forum of depth and integrity, regarding the choices that Texans face. Recently, JJ also became a director of Public Agenda, a national, non-profit, non-partisan, New-York-based organization that helps diverse leaders and citizens navigate divisive, complex issues and work together to find solutions. JJ was a social/philanthropic entrepreneur. He had a profound respect for the not-for-profit sector's power to complement the for-profit sector. As a result, he became one of Texas' leading experts in philanthropy. He lectured at dozens of conferences and professional events across the state and nation on stakeholder engagement, board involvement, strategic planning and best practices in fund-raising. In 2013, he co-chaired the Texas Lyceum's first-ever conference dedicated to philanthropy, which featured keynotes from the College Board, The Economist, Educate Texas, the Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. He also served as an Executive-on-Loan to San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's SA2020 for philanthropy. JJ was a friend of education-from pre-K to higher-education-in both our state and country. For five years, he worked at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL). He was Co-President of the PTA at his children's school, Mathews Elementary, as well as President of the Austin Public Library Foundation. Through the Austin Community Foundation and his personal non-profit Education Capital, he lead the annual report and survey efforts for the Texas Education Foundation Network, A Texas Pioneer Foundation-sponsored project providing research, development and dissemination to 340 education-related foundations. JJ also served as a Trinity University Associate and an Executive-on-Loan to Mayor Castro's SA2020 for education. JJ was a Longhorn. As a result, he was especially active in education at The University of Texas. In 2011, the Texas Ex-Student Association honored JJ with the Top Hand Award, which recognizes an individual who has given extraordinary service to the Texas Exes and the University of Texas. JJ is one of only 97 individuals to receive the award in the 130-year history of The University and from The University's 450,000 alumni. JJ was a man of God. A life-long Presbyterian, JJ took enormous joy in his faith in general and the Presbyterian Church in particular. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, the First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, University Presbyterian Church of Austin and-for the last 14 years-Covenant Presbyterian Church of Austin, where he was an elder and Clerk of the Session. Also, for years, he served on the Board of Trustees of Mo Ranch, the Presbyterian retreat center located on the Guadalupe River just outside of Hunt, Texas. He chaired Mo Ranch's Strategic Planning Committee. JJ was a friend to literally thousands. A world-class connector, he took enormous joy in serving others. He also inspired thousands with his valiant fight against cancer. "JJ's Fight Club" evidenced his many friends and his inspiring battle against his disease. Formed by JJ's friends in mid-2014 following JJ's cancer diagnosis, JJ's Fight Club rallied to support JJ in his fight against his disease. The group now has friends in all 50 states and 17 foreign countries. Finally, JJ came from a very close family, so he was, first and foremost, a family man. He adored his saintly wife Joy. He was deeply engaged in the lives of his sons, Ben and Judge, who were the lights of his life. Joy, Ben and Judge were the center of all of his decisions. Laughter filled their home, and they loved spending time together as a family. JJ is survived by his wife, Joy Surratt Baskin of Austin; his sons, Ben Baskin and Judge Baskin of Austin; his mother, Joan Ragsdale Baskin of Midland, Texas; his sister, Becky Baskin Ferguson and her husband Doug Ferguson of Midland; and by his brothers, Bo Baskin of Austin and Steve Ragsdale Baskin and his wife Susie Baskin of Marble Falls, Texas. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jim and Liz Surratt of Port Orange, Florida; his brother-in-law, Tommy Surratt of Gainesville, Florida; his nieces and nephews, Arthur James (AJ) Ferguson of Midland, Joan (Joanie) Baskin Ferguson of New York City, Katherine (Katie) Stewart Baskin of New Orleans, Louisiana, Annabelle Marie Baskin of Washington, D.C., Pat McKinney (Mac) Baskin, III of Austin, Wiley Baskin of Marble Falls, Texas, William (Liam) Baskin of Marble Falls, Terrill Baskin of Marble Falls, and Virginia Baskin of Marble Falls; his aunt, Kathy Ragsdale of Hunt, Texas; his uncle, Bill Baskin of Lake Jackson, Texas; and his cousins, Molly Baskin of Chicago, Illinois, Jamie Baskin of Austin, Bob Baskin of Richmond, Virginia, Stuart Baskin of Tyler, Texas, Beth Baskin Hill of Lake Jackson, Janie Ragsdale of Hunt, Texas, Julie Ragsdale of Los Angeles, California, Silas Baggett (Jeepers) Ragsdale, III of Hunt. He is preceded in death by his father, Pat McKinney Baskin; and by his grandparents, Silas and Sadie Ragsdale, and James D. and Ruth Baskin Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 30 at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 3003 Northland Drive in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity University c/o Sharon Schweitzer, 1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212; Wonders and Worries at 9101 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78758; or Mo Ranch at2229 FM 1340, Hunt, Texas 78024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I know it has been a very difficult year for JJ's family. Just know that he, and you, are always in our thoughts.
Bruce Esterline
Bruce Esterline
Friend
March 24, 2016
Our family was very sad to learn of JJ's death. He was a wonderful person. We have admired the Baskin and Ragsdale families for decades. Please accept our sincere sympathy. The John Hay/Aboussie Family
Marilyn Aboussie
July 12, 2015
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort and peace from the God of all comfort who is a refuge and strength for us during our distresses.
Al S
May 16, 2015
Dear Joy, Ben and Judge. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying that your hearts will heal in time. JJ will be missed. He was such a loving and dedicated family man. We feel blessed to have known him.
We send you our love . Della and Jere Vodenicker
Della & Jere Vodenicker
April 6, 2015
We are so sad to hear know you are in our prayers we would like to help in any way. Love to all
Marilyn Coble
April 6, 2015
Steve, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Having lost my awesome brother too soon, I feel for you. JJ, I'm sure will be greatly missed. I hope as your heart heals the happy memories bring a smile to your face.
Barb Steinberg
(Jack's mom - from Solitude a few weeks ago)
Barb Steinberg
April 2, 2015
Joan and Family: I was saddened to learn of JJ's death. I send my deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss.
Linda Fieseler
March 31, 2015
Joy,
My husband and I send loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I wish I had known your husband, he sounds like a wonderful man. With time your pain will fade and your tears will dry. You will be left with loving, happy, healing memories. Know you will remain in my prayers through it all.
Sincerely,
Ed and Dorris Counce
Dorris Counce
March 31, 2015
Cherishing memories of JJ from college days at Trinity. Sending love to Joy and the boys.
Kari Harbison
March 30, 2015
J.J. truly touched the lives of so many. To meet him was to know him. He truly was an exceptional man! My deepest condolences to all of his family. "For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead." (Psalm 86:13)
Rossana Barrios
March 30, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Baskin family. JJ was a delight to see every day at work -- always friendly and always shining with updates about his kids. He will be missed a lot.
Kelly Dobbins, Galaxy Cafe
March 30, 2015
Much love to all of the Baskins--and a full
heart for your loss. JJ was the best of the
best--and I know he'll be with us all always.
Shelby
Many hugs to all.
Shelby
March 29, 2015
Dear Joy, Christy told me about JJ. Please know you and your boys are in my prayers. May God give you HIS comfort at this time. Sending a hug your way.
Love
Judy Reed
March 28, 2015
Thank you, JJ, for giving so much of yourself to leave the world a better place. Knowing your boys will most likely grow up to be just like you is comforting and exciting because you truly were such an incredible and unique individual, the world should not have just one.
Lisa Howell
March 28, 2015
Joy and all the family, I have such wonderful memories of being in meetings of Mission Presbytery's Committee on Preparation. JJ always made them lively! We shared a lovely evening in your home that I will always treasure. He will be missed by so many. In Christ's love, Judy Ferguson
Judy Ferguson
March 28, 2015
We have known each other since we were 7 years old. From the first grade through graduation at Trinity. He has always been part of the world I grew up in. It is so hard to believe that he is gone. A real force of nature that will be sorely missed by so many...including this girl from Midland.
-Michlene Barnes Herrick
Michlene Barnes Herrick
March 28, 2015
Such a loss, but your light will shine for all time!
Lucretia Murphy
March 28, 2015
My deepest and heartfelt sorrow for the Baskin family loss. JJ was a force that will stand the test of time. He and I met in 2001 when I was beginning my career at the Austin Public Library and he was my champion for the work we needed to do to bring awareness to the Public Library System in Austin, TX. He was my champion and my guide and all around amazing person. It is with great sadness that I write this. JJ I know you will do great things in your next realm. Peace be with you. Love Tricia Fraga
patricia fraga
March 27, 2015
Such a loss! He did so much for so many!
Michelle Breyer
March 27, 2015
Our most heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to JJ's family, extended family, and thousands of friends. May God give you strength, peace, and comfort in all the days ahead.
Katherine & Jim Ray
March 27, 2015
We will always love you, JJ. Go with God.
Whitney Milam and Family
March 27, 2015
The Baskin family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Megan Laibovitz Rothwell
March 27, 2015
I will always remember JJ for his incredible sense of humor, his love of baseball and his family, and his strength and courage while fighting the fight. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Clear eyes. Full heart. Can't lose.
March 27, 2015
Joy, Ben & Judge,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Beloved Husband and Devoted Father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura & Julian Acevedo
March 27, 2015
Prayers for Joy, Ben, Judge and the entire extended Baskin family. My heart goes out to you all. I am praying for peace and strength for each of you. JJ will be missed by many, but none as much as Joy and the boys. God bless you all.
Kara Powers
March 27, 2015
Joan and Family, Ken and I send our sincere condolences for your loss. May the good Lord wrap you in His loving arms and comfort you at this time.
Wanda Sewell
March 27, 2015
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more