James Baumgartner

1959 - 2023

James "Jim" Baumgartner passed away at his home on September 19 in Juneau, Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Linda Baumgartner; his mother, Sarah Baumgartner; sisters, Phyllis (Michael) Scott and Lucy Looper; and brother, John (Dee Dee) Baumgartner, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Patti Baumgartner; sister, Ann Rosen; brother, Joel Baumgartner; and father, William "Bill" Baumgartner.
In 1964, Jim, along with his parents and siblings, moved to Douglas. He attended schools in Juneau and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School. Post high school, Jim pursued further education at the University of Idaho, earning a Civil Engineering degree in 1983. He later went on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, graduating in 1987 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Soon after, Jim went on to acquire proficiency in Russian at the University of Washington Russian House in Seattle, which he later used while working on a major dam project as an engineer between Finland and Russia.
In 1989, he returned to Juneau and dedicated nearly 30 years to the Department of Environmental Conservation before retiring in 2017. Jim subsequently joined Alaska Power and Telephone Company, working to ensure that rural Alaska had reliable, safe, and environmentally conscious power, internet, and telephone systems.
While Jim took pride in his professional achievements, his love for his wife, Linda, his extended family, and the Alaskan lifestyle were paramount. He relished every opportunity to fish for salmon and to explore the outdoors. An avid traveler, Jim, alongside Linda, explored various corners of the world, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands, where he discovered a newfound love for dancing.
Jim's family will profoundly miss his sense of humor, his competitive spirit, and above all, his boundless love for his family. Jim will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at the Shrine of Saint Therese in Juneau, Alaska. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.