Longtime Scout leader Jim Baughman passes at 77

Jim Baughman was Scoutmaster of Van Buren Troop 313 for 39 years. He and his Troop attended Philmont Scout Ranch on six different occasions and attended the Double H Scout Ranch (both in New Mexico), as well as many summer trips to numerous states.

In 1997, he was Scoutmaster for the council contingent Troop for the National Jamboree and on staff there for three other Jamborees. 

In Scouting, Jim was awarded many honors including of the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, the Wood Badge, The Silver Beaver Award, as well as Hall of Leadership Award in 2010.

He helped 49 Scouts obtain the Eagle Rank. He and his Troop planned and oversaw the construction of the Eugene Ensman Shelter House in the Village Square of Van Buren which was rededicated as the James Baughman Pavilion on August 7, 2022. They also oversaw the construction of the large Heminger Shelter House with a fireplace at the Allen Township Center. The Troop supervised the proper burning of approximately 32,950 American Flags.

He has planned and supervised the annual Memorial Day program for the Van Buren community since 1971.

Scouting lost a great individual, and he will be dearly missed by all. Jim’s obituary can be found at https://www.coldrencrates.com/obituary/James-W-Baughman

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home where visitation will also be held from 10:00AM Saturday until the time of service. Pastor’s Dick Van Horn and Duane Kemerley will officiate. Burial will follow in Zion Bloom.