James Baldridge

James "Jim" Robert Baldridge was born on October 21, 1935 the son of Charley Howard Baldridge and Helen Florence McLaughlin Baldridge at Coffeyville, Kansas. He was one of two children born to this union.


Jim grew up in the Coffeyville area and attended Coffeyville schools and graduated from Coffeyville High School in 1952. He then attended Coffeyville Junior College and graduated in 1954 and then went to Emporia State Teachers College and graduated in 1958. He was united in marriage to Karen Slentz on May 31, 1958 in Caldwell, Kansas. Five children where born to this union.


Jim taught school in Osborne, Kansas for two years and then at Harveyville for three years and in Sabetha for 33 years. While teaching he was a football coach, a girls basketball coach, track coach and cross country coach. He was a member of the Ayore Church in Morrill, Kansas, the Retired Teacher Association and an avid K.U fan.


Jim died on April 21, 2007 at his residence in Sabetha at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Karen Baldridge of Sabetha; four sons, Steve Baldridge of Liberal, Missouri, Gary Baldridge and his wife, Connie of Holton, Kansas, Rod Baldridge and his wife, Pam of Liberal, Missouri and Greg Baldridge of Las Vegas, Nevada; one daughter, Cheryl Kogler and her husband, Ron of Colby, Kansas; one sister, Lois Johnson of Los Angeles, California and 4 grandchildren, Andrew Baldridge and Jessie Baldridge, Kylee Kogler and Korey Kogler.


Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha with Pastor Jeff Perry officiating from the Ayore Church of Morrill. Linda Lehman will serve as organist. Jim McKim and Cindy Wertenberger will sing a duet and the congregation will sing "In the Garden".


Casket bearers will be Doug Allen, Rick Lukert, Dave Remmers, John Suhr, Kimbrook Tennal and Rixey Wertenberger. A family visitation will be Tuesday evening 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel. The interment will be in the Morrill Cemetery.


Memorial contribution may be made to over seas mission work sent in care of the funeral home.