Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Needy-People Person
Jasper Baxter was a needy-people person. He once made it his Saturday-morning routine to deliver meals from a food bank to hungry homes in Philadelphia, where he lived with his wife, Lillian. When he heard of a mortgage lender who was charging an old woman monthly payments that exceeded her Social Security income, he took his outrage all the way to the Pennsylvania legislature, where there was enough interest in the matter to make the company back down, said a brother, Dennis Baxter.
Jasper Baxter, 45, ran twice for state representative and lost both times. But he had a job that still allowed him to lend a helping hand. He was a consultant at Lee Hecht Harrison, a career services company at which he helped people who had lost jobs find work or start their own businesses.
On Sept. 11, he was conducting a two-day seminar on the 93rd floor of 2 World Trade Center.
"He was really good at getting people excited and motivated to get out there and find employment," said Elva Bankins, senior vice president and general manager of the company's Philadelphia office, where she said condolence cards and calls have poured in from grateful clients.
The youngest of seven children, Mr. Baxter grew up as the baby who everybody felt should be told what to do, his brother said. That meant he learned fairly early in life how to stand his ground, his brother said. "We all offered him advice," he said. "He learned how to defend his position."
I ran the September 11 Memorial 5k in Arlington, Virginia last Saturday. Jasper was in my thoughts, although I never met him in person. I have run to honor his name, and all the others, in September 11 memorial runs for all these years. Rest in peace, good man, good soul.
jeanne larrison
September 12, 2025
I shared your story yesterday Jasper. You are now in the heart of a new friend among the many who hold you dear.
Bernie Linner
September 12, 2025
On this DayOf Remembrance I pray that Mr Baxter continues to Rest Well In Paradise. I will always remember the words of encouragement and advice that he spoke into me. He will never be forgotten by all of those whose lives he has touched.
Cheryl Taylor
September 11, 2025 | NC | Acquaintance
I received his name from our church after the tragedy and have had him in my daily prayers ever since.
Roz Howard
September 11, 2024
I remember working with Jasper in Boston. He was such a genuinely nice person. He always seemed to be happy when I saw him. I provided support for his team. The people that worked with him really enjoyed working with him. I was so sad when I heard about what happened. Even after all this time I still think about him and reflect on what a good person he was. He touched the hearts of many people. Even more people than people realize.
Dave Faulkner
November 09, 2023
I am carrying his name for a 9-11 memorial run today. His name is on my rucksack for the run. It's my honor to run for him.
JT
October 07, 2023 | Other
I miss him terribly. I have never told my 9/11 story in a setting like this; I tried to reach out to the family but have never been able to reach anyone. Jasper was there that day because I could not go. I was asked to conduct that seminar just a few days prior, and I opted out - to work on another seminar. And Jasper took my place that fateful day. I will never forget his sacrifice or his smile and his humor. I got to spend time with him the summer before in D.C. He was a brother to...
dennis holt
September 11, 2023 | Loudon, TN | Coworker
Thinking of you today Jasper and praying for you and your family.
Bernie Linner
September 10, 2023 | Work
Thinking of you today old friend.
Bernie Linner
September 11, 2022 | Work
