Bryant J. "BJ" Baum's Obituary
Bryant J. “BJ” Baum, 91, of Sahuarita, AZ, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully at Villas Assisted Living in Green Valley, AZ.
BJ was born December 23, 1927 in Bethany, IL, the son of Bryant and Mary (Paul) Baum. He married his wife of 66 years, Jean Turrentine, October 4, 1947 in Maryland. BJ was a veteran of the US NAVY and also served as a police officer for the City of Decatur, IL, where he retired after 27 years of dedicated service.
BJ was an amateur radio operator, operating under the call sign “K9SWR”. He also enjoyed tinkering with electronics and computers.
Surviving are his children, Maribeth Baum of Morganton, NC, Russell Baum ( Andrea Blakeman) of Sahuarita, AZ, James Baum (Betty) of Decatur, IL; brother, George Baum of Decatur, IL; grandchildren, Lisa Fay of Granite Falls, NC, Bari Baum of Sorento, IL, Kasey Carroll of Wildwood, MO and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael E. Baum (who was killed in action in Vietnam, and Baum School was named in his honor); brother, Paul Baum and sister, Mildred Mize.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 21, 2019 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
Memorials: Police Benevolent and Protective Association Decatur Unit #39.
Condolences may be left to BJ’s family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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