James Henry "Jim" Bauer
Raleigh
James Henry "Jim" Bauer, 85, of Raleigh, NC, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on August 15, 2012. He was born January 23, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI, the oldest of three boys to the late Henry and Julia Tisler Bauer. Like all members of the Greatest Generation his formative years were spent in the Great Depression. These early life-experiences would serve him well throughout his life.
As a teen he enjoyed participating in the Boy Scouts and later worked as an usher at the Lyric Theater while attending Washington High School. As a senior in the Class of '45 he enlisted in the US Army on June 26, 1944 – 20 days after the D-Day Invasion of France.
He began active service in June 1945 with the Army Air Force. Following basic training he was assigned to the 501st Air Service Group stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany as part of the US Occupation Forces. The 501st provided support to flying units in Germany and Austria. Jim was awarded the Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Germany and earned an Honorable Discharge from active duty with the rank of sergeant in December 1946. Upon returning to the states he studied Engineering on the Veterans GI Bill and started his career with Wisconsin Bell Telephone.
Later he met the former Rosemary Frances Heimann and they were married on November 19, 1949 in Milwaukee. Over the next eight years, three wonderful children were born – Jay, Kim and Diane. With the family in place and after gaining valuable experience at Wisconsin Bell he joined Square D Corporation as a plastics engineer. Several years later with the opening of a new plant, Jim relocated with his family to Raleigh, NC in 1972. There he remained – a 35-year career - until retirement.
Soon after relocating to Raleigh, he and Ro joined St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church where he was a dedicated and very active member up to his passing. He volunteered in many ways that included the Catholic Parish Outreach and Habitat for Humanity. He held the position of Head Usher at early Mass on Sundays and assisted in counting the Mass collections for decades. He also participated in the Knights of Columbus and was a tireless volunteer on numerous committees from Stewardship Development to the St. Raphael's Annual Fair.
Jim stayed very active throughout his life. A Green Bay Packer fan - he was also an accomplished and avid bowler rolling a perfect 300 game. He loved hitting the links with friends and carded a Hole-in One. He also enjoyed the challenge of puzzles and the dynamics of card play.
As a couple, Jim and Ro shared a passion for travel. They toured many countries together including Germany, Austria, Australia, Ireland and England. They enjoyed many friends through work, church, Bridge and Dinner Clubs and were quick to lend any support where needed. As grandparents they were loving, interactive and dedicated. "Grandpa Jim" or "Poppy" could easily make the transition from playing a reindeer
pulling Santa's sleigh to a spinster wearing a boa and knit cap attending a mud-pie tea party.
Following retirement, Jim maintained charter member status with a close circle of friends that met monthly at a local tavern to outline definitive solutions to local and world events. Lastly, Jim had a quick smile for all and a gentle manner. He will be greatly missed.
His beloved wife of 62 years, Rosemary Frances Bauer and his youngest brother, Thomas Bauer, preceded him in death.
Surviving family are: son Jay J. Bauer and wife Debbie of Charlotte, NC; daughter's Kim Henderson and husband Bill of Wilmington, NC; Diane Hadley and husband Hunter Hadley, III of Greensboro, NC; four grandchildren – Jared Bauer, Melissa Bauer Parker, Jennifer Henderson and Emma Hadley; brother Richard Bauer and wife Barb of Brookfield, WI; sister-in-law Mary Ann Bauer of Plymouth, MN.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC Tuesday, August 21, 2012. Visitation for family and friends begins at 10 am – 10:50am. Service begins at 11 am – 12 pm. A reception follows the service.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to either the American Heart Association online at (www.heart.org). Or if mailing a check: American Heart Association , 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060. Or contribute to: Catholic Parish Outreach, 2013 N. Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604.
Share your condolences at www.brownwynneeast millbrook.com
Published in The News & Observer on August 19, 2012
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