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James McCall "Jimmy" Baldwin Jr.

1953 - 2019

James McCall "Jimmy" Baldwin Jr. obituary, 1953-2019

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

James Baldwin Obituary

James McCall "Jimmy" Baldwin, Jr., a former shipping executive, died March 20, 2019 of cancer at his New Orleans home. He was 66. A lifelong New Orleanian, Mr. Baldwin is survived by his wife Karen; their four children James McCall Baldwin, III (Meredith), Elizabeth Baldwin Hefler (Henry), William Cuthbert Baldwin (Meg) and Christopher Lee Baldwin; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters: Jean Baldwin Bolton (Buddy), Lise Baldwin Montgomery (Dick), and Susan Baldwin Gomila. Mr. Baldwin was born in New Orleans, LA on January 3, 1953, the son of the late James McCall Baldwin, Sr. and Norma Jean Bougere Baldwin. He attended De La Salle High School, and later graduated from Tulane University. Mr. Baldwin began his professional life as an edificial cosmetologist in 1973 before migrating to the shipping industry. He early-retired from International Shipholding Corporation in 2008 after a 29 year career. At the time of his retirement, he was Executive Vice-President of the corporation. He then founded Southern Sails of LA, a maritime matchmaking business, and later joined Coastal Cargo Group in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He sat for six years on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Board, and previously served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. He was at the time of his passing the Honorary Consul of Norway for Louisiana and Mississippi, having been awarded the Royal Order of Merit First Class from the Kingdom of Norway for his service. Mr. Baldwin loved music, and was a founding member of the band Flambeaux. He was a member of the Louisiana Literary and Debating Association, as well as several other local, social and civic organizations. He will be missed by many, as his rare wit and superb compassion could put a smile on any face. He usually had a joke, often a glass of wine, and most importantly - always made it about you. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a gift to De La Salle High School in New Orleans or a charity of your choice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 Saint Charles Ave. in New Orleans, on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:00 AM. A private interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate on Mar. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Baldwin

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Nancy Napoli

July 19, 2025

Jimmy was the best baseball coach a kid could ever had. He made Carrollton baseball a field of dreams and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I was around him. Even though he was a Yankees fan I gave him a pass as he did for me. I always will smile when I think of Coach!

Michael A. Walsdorf

October 5, 2021

I just learned of Jim's passing. He and I were classmates of Holy Name Of Jesus and De La Salle H.S.

He was a Great Guy ! Many great memories with him.

Mike Walsdorf

April 30, 2019

Karen & family,

So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was such an unselfish help and support on handling our family's estate issues in Louisiana. My family has a saying that God, like any other gardener, picks the best flowers to adorn His house.

If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know.

Very respectfully,

Gary Bougere
Houston, Texas

Eugenie Leonards

April 13, 2019

Susan, so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. I remember him from Holy Name days. I lost my husband in 2014 at age 65 and truly know what gone too soon means. My condolences to all your family. Eugenie "Cassie" Colomb Leonards in Kingwood, Texas.

John and Cheri Alsobrook

March 26, 2019

Dear Baldwin family,

We were so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was the friendliest, funniest and kindest gentleman of New Orleans we knew. He always had a smile and a quick joke when greeting us. He was such a good friend to me and my father, Bernie.

We will miss him. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of you.

Caroline (Loker) Noya

March 25, 2019

Karen and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing! He was always such a fun and funny guy! Thinking of you!


Fondly,

Alexandra Mora

March 25, 2019

It is a rare and special person who can maintain such grace, wit, and positive energy in the face of adversity--and Jimmy did that. I think I speak for the entire consular corps in expressing our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will sorely miss him. --Alexandra Mora, Honorary Consul of Switzerland for New Orleans

Hans Luetkemeier

March 25, 2019

To the Baldwin family:

We were so saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing. He was a great man who had a unique ability to use his character and personality to make those around him enjoy life to the fullest. Professionally he knew his business and always demanded respect when he walked into the room. I am honored to have known such a wonderful person and will be forever grateful for our friendship. He will be sorely missed.

March 24, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry.
Maria and John Page
New Orleans

Edward Strauhs

March 24, 2019

Karen,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Jimmy. He was a very caring, kind and considerate man. A man that always had a smile on his face, and was truly concerned about others. He was a true professional. I will always remember the night we had dinner in NY with you, Jimmy, George Hudson and his wife and Mike Calandria and his wife, the evening was filled with laughter.
God Bless him, may he rest in peace.
Ed Strauhs - NY

Elizabeth Register

March 22, 2019

Dear Baldwin family, I was stunned to hear of Jimmy's death. He and Woody always enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship in the shipping business as well as social events. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely,

Scott Chappuis

March 22, 2019

The Cav Nation lost a good one! Jimmy was loved and appreciated by many...he will be missed!

Scott Chappuis '70

Marcia Baird

March 22, 2019

Dear Jean, Lise,Susan and family, So, very sorry to hear of your loss. Jimmy was a kind fellow. He was there to say good by to Bruce when he was on his death bed. He was a loyal friend. He will be missed.Extending our prayers for you, The Bruce Baird Family

Trey & Elizabeth Macdiarmid

March 22, 2019

Truly one of the great ones, he will always be a presence. The service was beautiful and the reflections on his life were terrific.

Trey & Elizabeth Macdiarmid

Suzanne and Dale Revelle

March 22, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

March 22, 2019

To the Baldwin family,

It is with a heavy heart that I received the news on Jimmy's passing. Jimmy was one of those rare examples of a person who always had something kind to say and put a smile on your face. He welcomed me to the shipping industry with open arms and always had the time to catch up on life or come by for a visit. I wish you all the best in these comings weeks, months and years. He was a special person and is smiling down on all of us.

Edward Malone, New York, NY

Sean Vandergriff

March 22, 2019

To the Baldwin family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of such a warm, loving and entertaining soul. He was one of a kind.

Bob Collins

March 21, 2019

I had the privilege of working with Jimmy at ISC for about 10 years. I will remember his great sense of humor and how he always had a joke ready for everyone he met.

One of my first company events was a golf tournament with Jimmy and Gary Ferguson. I don't remember what we shot but I do remember Jimmy kept me laughing the entire day.

Deepest condolences to the entire family for your loss.

Sincerely,

Bob Collins

Richard Andry

March 21, 2019

Eva and I were so sad to hear of Jimmy's passing! He was a really great guy. I even liked working on the Bougere property issues with him and Karen. He made everything funny.

We send our sincerest condolences.

Rafael Quesada

March 21, 2019

One of the nicest people I ever met, a true gentleman, a kind soul , he always had a word of encouragement and positivism for everyone, he was equally nice with everyone regardless of their corporate status.May the good Lord rest his soulRafael Quesada

March 21, 2019

I will always remember Jimmy as the nicest, kindest, funnest boss one could have. So many things I learnt from him, and he truly was one of the most "human" human beings I know. Karen, McCall, Will, Liz, and Chris - my sincere condolences.

Brigitte

Sasha Perrien

March 21, 2019

I met the Baldwins at Holy Name. Jimmy was the gumball prize-he was self-deprecating and hilarious. His railroad track smile lit up the room. When I migrated to McGehees, I knew Karen.
What a dazzling couple.. I am so sad for everyone.

Sasha Perrien

March 21, 2019

Was fellow attendee at Holy Name with Baldwins. Jimmy was hilarious and self-deprecating as early as second grade. The twinkle in his eye gleamed even more brightly than his railroad track braces. When I migrated to McGehees, knew Karen. Dazzling couple they were.

Stewart Douglas

March 21, 2019

Several years ago Jimmy cornered me at a club lunch and recruited me to join his band Flambeaux, which I did. There began years of fun music with the nicest and wittiest guy I've ever known. "Jameel"(his band name) and I became great friends, and I am very sad that the brightest light in the Flambeaux has gone out. I will miss you my dear friend, and may God bless the Baldwin family at this sad time.

Pamela Trehern

March 21, 2019

Jimmy, one of a kind. His sense of wit, a happening hoot.

Prayers for God's abiding presence and hope to Jimmy's family.

Kennedy Gilly Jr.

March 21, 2019

Jimmy was one of a kind. One of the nicest funniest people I've ever met.

March 21, 2019

I will always remember the great times we had at Lake Hamilton with many other guests. And most of all, I always appreciated being invited by Jimmy. Truly a fun person to be around.

Your friend,

Randy (UCLA) Taylor

Conny Willems

March 21, 2019

Dear Karen and Family

My heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Jimmy. He was a consummate gentlemen, always upbeat and ready with a laugh. I admired his musical abilities. He played with gusto. He was a thoughtful and well liked member of the Consular Corps and his absence is missed already. I really admired him and will miss him.

I hope that the nice memories you have of Jimmy may be a consolation in your loss.

Conny Willems, Hon. Consul Emerita of the Netherlands

Kate Robinson

March 21, 2019

I met Jimmy when I was about seven yrs old. It was very apparent even to a seven yr old that he was the real deal. Jimmy was kind, funny as hell, LOYAL, a true gentleman to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. I feel fortunate to have spent time with many Baldwin s and getting to know their children and grandhildren. Kate Godfrey Robinson

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Kathy Jordan

March 21, 2019

I worked with Jimmy for many years at ISC. He was someone I respected Prayers for your family that you will be comforted by the wonderful memories you treasure. May perpetual light shine upon him.

March 21, 2019

Rest in peace-Jimmy. Class of 1970 DLS

March 21, 2019

May God's Holy Spirit and comfort be with this family during this time of mourning. 2 Cor 1:3-6.

patricia graver

March 21, 2019

Dear Karen & Family....I am so sorry for your loss...I want you to know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time...Love, Patty

Helen Singreen Cooper

March 21, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of this!!
Sincere sympathy,
Helen

Herb Anderson

March 20, 2019

I will miss the twinkle in Jimmy's eye. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.

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Memorial Events
for James Baldwin

Mar

22

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church

6367 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA

Mar

22

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church

6367 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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