In Memoriam: James E. (Jim) Baugh
Welcome
Thank you for joining us in this memorial to Jim Baugh, as we celebrate his life, achievements, career and commitment to family and friends.
January 2, 2004, Friday, 4:26 pm, End of Watch
Died In the Line of Duty.
While on patrol for the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Captain Jim Baugh was fatally injured in an automobile crash during response to a minor traffic call. North of Greencastle, his patrol car left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned into Big Walnut Creek. He was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was pronounced five hours later.
In the investigation, the cause of his accident was not determined. His car's right front wheel/hub assembly was never recovered from the accident site.
At age 60, and with 32 years on the department, Jim was the longest-serving merit deputy in the county's history, a 2-term sheriff and was less than four months from retirement
It was a trying time for Indiana, as Jim was the 5th officer lost in the line of duty in 30 days.
Early Life
On April 25, 1943, in rural Morgan County, Indiana, Jim was born to Gale H. (laborer) and E. Evelyn (Branneman)(seamstress) Baugh. He was the youngest of his siblings; Jean, Eileen, Barbara, Helen, Mildred and Jack.
His family moved multiple times during his childhood, as Gale's employment changed. Jim spent time living in employee housing on private farms and at the Indiana State Farm (Putnamville penitentiary) where Gale was an assistant farm manager. They spent time in Rockville, where his father was the Indiana Dairy Farm manager.
He attended Belle Union schools through the 6th grade, was a student at Rockville through his junior year, then returned to Belle Union High School for his senior year.
As a teenager, Jim trained his trick-horse, Trigger, and performed with him at events, including 4-H demonstrations.
After graduation in 1961, Jim worked as a construction laborer, building homes in the Greencastle area, most notably the first few homes on Edgelea Drive. He additionally worked as an attendant at a gas/service station.
Military Career
In 1963, Jim joined the US Air Force on the Buddy Program with his friend, Teddy Clearwaters. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB, Jim was assigned to Bunker Hill AFB, now known as Grissom Air Reserve Base, Peru, IN. He served as a firefighter on the Fire Department Crash Rescue Squadron
He was commissioned to Guam's Andersen AFB during the Vietnam War in 1965, continuing as a firefighter on the Fire Department's Crash Rescue Squadron. He worked mainly B-52 incidents, as they returned from battle. He served there until his tour ended, returning to Greencastle in 1966.
Additionally, in 1996, along with friend Clyde Stringer, Jim joined the Indiana Guard Reserve as a firearms instructor, serving until his death.
Family Life
After dating in high school and reconnecting a few years later, Jim and Lauralee (Perry) Baugh married in 1965. That year, Lauralee joined him for 18 months in Guam as he finished his tour of duty. She taught Home Economics at a local school, having 150 students.
They returned in 1966 and settled in Greencastle. Their two son's, Jason and Jerrod, arrived shortly after.
Jim's family life involved many summer road-trips to visit relatives around the country. He supported every venture his wife and sons tackled and was always there to guide and support.
Jim served as a 4-H horse barn parent and joined his son's at their school and sports events.
A highlight of Jim's family life came in 2002, when his only grandchild, Gayle, was born to son Jerrod and his wife Tara. Jim was overjoyed at her arrival and treated her like a little princess. He spent as much time as he could with her and bought her things a newborn shouldn't yet have. He took hundreds of photos with her, traveled with her, and would never pass on a chance to show you the latest record of their conquests together. Tara read a
Knowing Jim
Jim consciously worked to make everyone he met comfortable and usually entertained.
On a professional level, it's tough to find a more dedicated police officer. Apart from his years of dedicated service, Jim embraced every aspect of interaction in his profession. He calmly managed scenes and gained respect from everyone, even those that were on the opposite side of his position. It was common for parents to request him to 'have a talk' with their troubled teens.
Aside from Jim's serious side, there was always a joker underneath. There are countless stories of the fun Jim had with people; From the 'Mongoose' contraption that caught us all off-guard, to the trick-pet fleas that jumped into a bag on his command, to the buzzer-shocking ink pens. Jim was always in for a good laugh. Plus, who can forget his trick of folding a towel into a chicken?
Jim valued his family and friends. He was a man that never met a stranger, he just met a new friend.
To get a continued sense of knowing Jim, read Lauralee's nomination letter for his Sagamore of the Wabash Award HERE.
As his friend Bill Stone read at his funeral, "Sportsman, marksman, gunsmith, professional photographer, racing enthusiast, youth leader, political activist, police trainer and friend to many can all be used to describe Jim's life. Add in the fact that he was noted for humor, this gives one a very good picture of the man we honor. His friendship, humor, wisdom and plain honesty will be treasured and missed by many who share this loss with his family."
Hobbies and Interests
Photography: Jim was an avid photographer, dating back to the 1960s. He attended training as often as possible, professionally freelanced, and taught adjunct photography classes at DePauw University. He even had his own darkroom, back in the ages before digital photography.
Motorsports: Jim's photography passion carried over into motorsports when he became the official photographer at Putnam Park Road Course in Mt. Meridian, IN, when it opened in 1991. He spent many days at the track, capturing photos of top drivers and teams while they tested. His photos still cover the walls of the control tower lobby. His biggest reward was the hundreds of friendships he developed from drivers and teams the racetrack.
Jim enjoyed attending races at Indianapolis, Daytona and many other venues, all while logging thousands of racing photos. He traveled to Jason's sportscar races to crew for him and thoroughly enjoyed all forms of motorsports. He was a big fan of Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart, of NASCAR fame, and amassed a huge collection of fan memorabilia. He was like one of the kids when it came to meeting a racecar driver and getting his autograph.
In the mid-90s, Jim became friends with sportscar champion driver Ron Fellows. Ron occasionally brought his family to Putnam Park and Jim would entertain the kids while Ron worked on track. He deputized Ron and he wore Jim's star on his helmets for the remainder of his career. Ron was a special guest at Jim's funeral.
The Corvette: Around 1960, Jim and Lauralee were on a date, spotted a Corvette, and he made the comment that he would own of ‘those’ one day. It took a while, but he finally accomplished that dream. In 2000, James purchased a 1984 Vette from his neighbor, the original owner. He spent many hours rebuilding it, entered car shows, cruised and shared his Corvette passion. Today, Jason maintains the cherished car, continues the restoration and modifications, and enters it in auto events. Memorialized as the 'Jim Baugh Remembrance Tribute Legacy Project,' it won 1st place at the 2017 Vets 'N Vettes car show. Jim's car will never be sold and will eventually pass on to another family member to continue the tradition.
Law Enforcement Career
After completion of his duties in the US Air Force, Jim returned to Putnam County and began his career in law enforcement in 1967 at the Greencastle Police Department, as a patrolman. He invested nearly 4-1/2 years there, reaching rank as a Technician Sergeant.
In 1971 Jim left the GPD to become Sheriff Bob Albright's Chief Deputy at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. Jim was elected to, and served, two consecutive terms as Sheriff, 1975 thru 1982. In his first win, he became the youngest sheriff ever elected in the county. After a stint as a Deputy US Marshal, Jim returned to being a Deputy in 1984, where he continued serving his community until his death.
Although he was asked to run again for sheriff, he never showed an interest and garnered more enjoyment being a Patrol Deputy, where he could interact more with the community. He enjoyed giving presentations to organizations and especially the time he spent with kids in their classrooms.
Law enforcement training was a passion for Jim, both as a student and as an instructor. He gained many diplomas and certifications in his career, including photography, criminal investigations, and was a graduate of ???.
Shooting Sports and Firearms Training
Jim took advantage of every possible training in firearms, as he attended many weeks of education throughout his career.
He spent decades as a adjunct firearms instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and facilitated the creation of Putnam County's new shooting range in 1999. Jim was involved in training thousands of officers over the years.
Jim enjoyed competition shooting at many levels and divisions. He competed in state and national duty events. plus historical competitions.
He was heavily involved in the Putnam County 4-H Shooting Sports program, along with his son, Jerrod.
Jim served as an officer and board member of the Indiana Police Firearms Training Association, and as a board member of Indiana Sheriff's Association. He was a member of the Putnam County F.O.P, American Society for Law Enforcement Training, International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, the NRA, Jaycees, Masonic Temple Lodge 47 in Greencastle, and the Terre Haute Valley of Scottish Rite.
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Memorials, Honors and Tributes
Burial Location; New Providence Cemetery, 6526 S Co Rd 550 E, Greencastle, IN 46135, Putnam County, GPS 39.565, -86.7522. On the south entrance drive, Jim's headstone can be found on the right of the roadway as you crest the top of the hill.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; 450 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001. Jim's name is engraved on the memorial wall at Panel 39E, Line 24.
Indiana Law Enforcement Memorial; N Senate Ave behind the Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis, IN, GPS 46.145, -86.163611. Jim's name is engraved on the memorial wall at Panel L24, Line 10.
Heroes of Public Safety Memorial; Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208: Jim's name is engraved on the footpath on the south side of the memorial.
ODMP: Officer Down Memorial Page; Jim's national online memorial page, CLICK HERE.
Capt. James E. Baugh Rifle/Pistol Range & Training Center; W County Road 225 S, Greencastle, IN 46135, GPS 39.878889 -86.882778. Jim oversaw all aspects of the creation of this training facility in 1999. It was dedicated in his honor in August 2004.
Indiana State FOP Jim Baugh Memorial Pistol Match; The annual Fraternal Order of Police competition was named in Jim's honor.
Annual Capt. Jim Baugh Memorial Blood Drive; Greencastle Christian Church. Takes place every June and is affiliated with the statewide Indiana Fallen Officers Blood Drives.
The Jim Baugh Remembrance Legacy Tribute Project Corvette; Jim's 1984 Vette remains a showcase of his passion for his car. Contact Jason when you would like to check it out.
Putnam Park Road Course (photography collection); 5251 S Co Rd 550 E, Greencastle, IN 46135. The control tower houses a large collection of Jim's photography in the main floor lobby.
Facebook: Jim's 'In Memoriam' Page; (coming soon)
Additional information about the locations is in the LINKS section of this website.
