Jimmy Gordon Baldwin

Jimmy Gordon Baldwin of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born on March 26, 1953, in Roanoke, Jim lived a large and purposeful life filled with service, creativity, and a deep passion for his community, his commonwealth, and the natural world.
A man of many talents and relentless dedication, Jim's professional contributions spanned decades and touched countless lives. He served in a wide range of roles including work at the Department of Social Services in Roanoke City, Director of Music at Belmont Christian Church, Chief Naturalist at Virginia's Explore Park, Owner and Operator of Wild Things LLC, where he focused on native garden design, Director of Environmental Education and Trail Architect at Apple Ridge Farm, and Facilities Manager and Official Bagpiper at the National D-Day Memorial. Other roles include work at the Science Museum of Western Virginia and as Director of Music at Unity of Roanoke. One of his more profound and lasting accomplishments was the founding of Roanoke's St. Patrick's Day Festival.
Jim's greatest professional pride was serving as the Co-Founder, Director, Manager, and Performer in Seconde Wynde, Roanoke's premier Celtic music group for over 40 years.
Jim was an accomplished and complete outdoorsman, an avid ecologist, botanist, environmental educator, sailor, explorer, Highland Games champion, cyclist, rugby and soccer player, coach, downhill skier, choral performer, cook, and generous host of memorable parties. Of all his pastimes, duck hunting across Virginia with family and lifelong waterfowling companions held his greatest passion.
He was preceded in death by his father, Morris W. Baldwin Sr., and his mother, Mildred Lucille Jacobs Baldwin, both of Roanoke City.
Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, M. Winston Baldwin Jr.; former wife, Jenny Miles Baldwin; children, Sarah Baldwin, Jacob Baldwin, and Isaac Baldwin; grandchildren, Marygann Jenkins, Jainna Rose Jenkins, Ceiliann Baldwin, Isla-Beth Baldwin, and Calla Baldwin; nephew, Erich W. Baldwin; son-in-law, Kevin L. Jenkins; daughter-in-law, Erin Aukward Baldwin; and many cousins and lifelong family friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at Kazim Shriners Hospital of Roanoke (628 Campbell Ave SW 24016) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join us for the "BIG PARTY FOR BIG JIM". Feel free to bring a dish, drinks, and your favorite memories!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Kazim Shriners Hospital of Roanoke and Apple Ridge Farm in Jim's honor.
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Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Service