John Jerome Baldwin, age 84, of Onsted, Michigan, and formerly of Traverse City, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at home. He was born on July 5th, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to F.J. and Margaret (Shanley) Baldwin. In 1957, John graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He went on to receive a degree in Accounting from the University of Detroit, graduating in 1962. John met a special girl named Judy Anderson in grade school and married her on August 26, 1961. Early on, John was taught that hard work was a way of life, but that never stopped him from having an adventurous childhood! John and his dog Rusty often went bird hunting. This paved the way to a lifelong love of all things outdoors. He was an avid hunter; skills he later passed on to his boys. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the guys at the Leroy Club and the special bonds that developed at deer camp. John was often found imparting hunting wisdom to anyone who cared to listen, telling a story of a past hunt, or talking about the “one that got away.” John had a contagious laugh. He always loved a good joke or an interesting story. After living in Bloomfield Hills for 16 years, John decided to start his own business and he moved his family to the country. He landed on the farm in Onsted where he quickly developed lasting friendships. After retirement, John and Judy settled on Skegamog Lake where many fun times were had. They enjoyed boating, bonfires, and countless peaceful sunsets After many years, he returned to Onsted where he reconnected with old friends and made some new ones. He almost never missed a Friday night dinner with the Schultz Clan, or his favorite, a bonfire. As he aged, his eyesight and hearing steadily declined, but he became a great conversationalist and confidant. He enjoyed talking on the phone with friends, family, and grandkids, providing much needed advice or just chewing the fat. John was a member of St. Mary on the Lake Catholic Church in Manitou Beach, Michigan (450 Manitou Road, Manitou Beach, MI 49253), where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 13th at 11:30AM. He is survived by his children, daughters Peggy (Scott) Schultz of Onsted, and Michelle (Arvydas) Montvilas of Norwalk, Ohio, sons John (Christina) Baldwin of Birmingham and Joseph (Wendy) of Lawton, six grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also a sister, Susan (Baldwin) Rome. John was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Judy, and his parents. Inurnment of John’s ashes will be at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan (25800 W. 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033) on Friday, June 14th, at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind (1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307).
