James Edward "Jim" Bauer

James Edward Bauer, 76, of Lafayette, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. He was born September 13, 1949, in Lafayette, IN, to Joseph and Mary Lou (Logan) Bauer.

James attended West Lafayette High School, Purdue University, and Ivy Tech Lafayette.

On April 26, 1980, he married Sarah Beth Dossett at St. Joseph Catholic Church (city) in Evansville, IN and she survives. They lived in the family farmhouse near Stockwell, IN until they built a home on the family land.

In loving memory, James is cherished by his wife, son, Adam (Emily) Bauer of Zionsville, IN; daughter, Erin Bauer of Flora, IN; granddaughters, Ella Grace and Ava Rose Bauer of Zionsville, IN; niece and nephew Jennifer and Dennis Devine who live in Tennessee; as well as his brothers- and sisters-in-laws and many dear cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Lou (Logan) Bauer. And his sister, Janet Devine as well as aunts and uncles.

Granddaughter Ella and he shared a September 13 th birthday. They were 'birthday twins.' When he became a grandfather, he chose the name he wanted to be called. It was always special to hear little girl voices calling him 'Grumpy.'

James worked as a carpenter at National Homes, a bookkeeper at Hodson's Bay Company in the Levee, and as a medical records auditor at Purdue University Health Center part-time, when the children were born. He was a 'house husband' in the late 1980s when it was rare. He volunteered at Cole Elementary School library, chaperoned field trips. He did daycare drop off and pick-up, did all the driving to trumpet and saxophone lessons, Scouts, band practices, and baseball practices and games.

He was a member of the Purdue Outing Club, a Scout dad. He played trumpet in Purdue Marching Band. He loved to rock climb, cave, backpack. He had lifetime friends from these activities. The Smokies were his favorite place so of course the honeymoon included a night atop Mount LeConte.

James enjoyed dachshund dogs, having had them as pets growing up. He adopted several more over the years, including older ones. "Old dogs need love, too." He also loved cats, especially calico ones. And later his Norwegian Forest cats.

Jim was a Purdue fan, especially basketball. He made sure to have on one of his many Purdue shirts before sitting down to watch a game. He was able to attend a men's basketball game this year with Sarah, his hoops-obsessed son, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughters and extended family. It was against University of Evansville (Sarah's undergraduate alma mater).

He owned a 1936 Ford truck and always got excited when he saw an 'old car' on the road. Later in life, Erin introduced him to YouTube so he could watch a season of classic cars being restored. YouTube brought him many happy hours of varied entertainment.

Jim hosted many family reunions on the family land. He enjoyed having large bonfires and entertaining Adam and Erin's Purdue friends. He was a father figure to many students who were away from home. He enjoyed having friends hang out at the farm, join family vacations, share Mt Fuji meals. From a young age, Seth Zimmerman, who was like a brother to Adam, kept Adam out of trouble and absorbed some of his energy for us. When Seth met Melissa, she and Jim bonded. Jim was so pleased to help prepare for their wedding. And as their three children were born, they enriched our lives.

Ceremonies to celebrate James will begin with visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and from 9:00 to 10:00am Saturday, prior to the funeral.

The Funeral is Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Ceremonies are at Soller-Baker Funeral Homes and Crematory, 400 Twckenham Boulevard, Lafayette, Indiana 47909. Pastor Ryan Traeger will officiate.

<< livestream video url >>

Fairview Cemetery, of Stockwell, IN was selected for interment.

Memorial contributions may be made to Natalie's Second Chance No-Kill Shelter and Food Finders

NataliesSecondChance Dog Shelter I Lafayette, IN

About | Food Finders Food Bank