Cdr. (retd.) James Arlen Baumgartner

1929 - 2023

Cdr. (retd.) James Arlen Baumgartner
November 5, 1929 - December 14, 2023
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend, Cdr. (retd.) James Arlen Baumgartner, who departed this life on December 14th, 2023, shortly after his wife of 70 years, Shirley Baumgartner.
Jim is the elder brother of Loretta Cates, and both are the children of Elsie and Owen Baumgartner.
Born November 5th, 1929, Jim (a.k.a. Jamie or 'Tex') lived a full life characterized by his strong Christian faith, his illustrious career in the United Sates Navy, his commitment to his family, and his never-ending desire to help others.
Jim was born in Hondo, Texas. Already a member of the Texas National Guard, he joined the United States Navy at 23 as an Electrician, and soon after, qualified for the Navy's first Nuclear Powered Propulsion program. He would eventually be part of the commissioning crew of the USS Nautilus, the Navy's first nuclear powered submarine. Jim graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1956 serving on the USS Pomfret, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and the USS Nathan Hale completing multiple Polaris Deterrent Patrols. In 1966, he served on the USS Ronquil as Executive Officer and served the following three years at the Pentagon in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Submarine Warfare Division. In 1970, Jim would serve as Commanding Officer of the USS Chivo and again as Commanding Officer of the USS Barracuda. Jim was a submarine sailor. He loved his time in the Navy and he loved his shipmates. He would retire as Commander after 23 years, staying busy through his retirement in car sales and life insurance sales.
Jim volunteered a lot of his time at the church in and many ways. On Sundays, he would arrive early to unlock the building and prepare the chapel for service. On his way in, he would pick up the donuts and start the coffee for fellowship between church services and Sunday school. Even during the week, and often until late at night, he would be at the church helping with something. From the church school bus, to the A/C system, to the plumbing, something always needed fixing and Jim was always there to help.
Known by many for his witty humor and 'can-do' spirit, Jim has been an incredible inspiration in life and death…spending his very last days cracking jokes with his family and hospital staff. He was a great man….and a great dad.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Carol Marie Beeson (Brian), Karen Sue Jordan (Bill), and Jennifer Lynn Baumgartner; and his sons, David Arlen Baumgartner, James Alan Baumgartner (Denise), and Jonathan Lee Baumgartner. God blessed Jim with six children, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great- great-grandchildren, 2 nephews, and 4 nieces.
As we navigate through this period of great loss, we find solace in the lessons Jim imparted and the beautiful life he led. His memory will forever be engraved in our hearts. Special thanks to Pastor Schmidt, and the members of King of Kings Lutheran Church.
Please join us in celebration of Jim's life on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 11 am at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 13888 Dreamwood Dr., San Antonio, TX 78233. There will also be a memorial service held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or in Jim's honor to King of Kings Lutheran Church.