James Baine

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

James Francis Baine, age 71, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

Jim was born September 28, 1946 in Joplin to the union of the late Joseph and Margaret (George) Baine. In his earlier years, he worked as a firefighter for the Joplin Fire Department. Jim later made a successful career as a development contractor and was behind many prominent building projects, including the Mall of America. Jim worked for L.J. Hooker in Atlanta and Varco Pruden in Memphis before starting his independent development firms, JBF Developments and American Investments, which he operated for 20 years. Jim was most recently working in the real estate industry, where he located properties for convenient stores to build on. He was also the previous owner of the Bagcraft Building in Joplin that is now known as the Gryphon Building.

Jim enjoyed riding his motorcycle and frequently took trips to Sturgis for the motorcycle rallies. He was also able to attend the 100 Year Harley Event in Milwaukee. Jim enjoyed spending time outside in the pool and he had a huge heart for animals. He was well-versed in religion, politics and was very confident in all that he knew and believed. Jim had a love for boxing and knew all there was to know about the sport. He always had a story to tell. Above all, Jim was a family man. He loved being “Papa” and “Big Papa” to his grandchildren. A true testament to Jim’s character was the way he selflessly cared for his parents in their aging years. He was there for every want and need and put them before himself always.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Shannon Patrick.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Cynthia, of the home; children, Carmen Augustosky and husband, Richard, and Gretchen Jackson and husband, Gary, all of Joplin; grandchildren, Mallory, Taran, Meggi, Chance, Garritt and Ciera; great-grandchildren, Kylyn, Xzavier, Sha’nya and Taylor; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Committal will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or the Joplin Humane Society. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

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