James J Baumgarten

James J. Baumgarten, 92, passed away November 11, 2011 under the loving care of Hospice at Legacy House in Ocala, FL. Jim was born and ra1sed in Mount Oliver, a borough of Pittsburgh, PA. When WW II broke out he joined the US Army Air Corp.  After the war was over he returned to his job driving streetcars with the Pennsylvania Railway until moving to Miami, FL. There he worked for the Miami-Dade mosquito control unit, after which he moved to Rainbow Lakes Estates in Dunnellon, FL.
Jim was a member of the Holy Faith Episcopal Church and the American Legion Post 58. At the post he served in many capacities, but was probably best known for originating and organizing the Spelling Bees.  He was also a member of Pleasant Hills-Guthrie Lodge for 55 years, Scottish Rite, Morocco Temple and the Ocala Shrine Club. Jim loved children and some of his happiest moments were helping Santa give out presents to crippled children at Christmas.
Jim is survived by his wife Faye Byrne Baumgarten, one daughter, Barbara Jeanne Baumgarten-Eckstein of MT , one son James Baumgarten of PA; four stepsons, Frank O’Reilly of Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL, James O’Reilly of Ocala, FL, Dennis O’Reilly of Miramar, FL, Daniel O’Reilly of Davie, FL; 16 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
The viewing will be at Roberts Funeral Home Dunnellon, FL Sunday from 6-8 pm with the American Legion Service at 6:30 PM. The funeral service will be Monday 10:00 AM at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Dunnellon with Father James Gerhart officiating. A Masonic service will be included. Burial will be at Bushnell National Cemetery on Monday at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Shrine Crippled Children’s Hospital 12502 Pine Drive Tampa, FL 33612 or Hospice of Marion County P O Box 4860 Ocala, FL 34478