Michael "Mick" James Baughman

Baughman, Michael James

Michael "Mick" James Baughman, age 94, passed away on November 4, 2022. A lifelong resident of Jackson and proud member of the community, Mick was actively involved in many public-spirited ways throughout his life including Jackson College (Trustee for 30 years), the Rotary Club, the Human Rights Commission, NAACP, the Interfaith Shelter of Jackson, Jackson Storyfest and numerous other community organizations.

Born on October 3, 1928, to Charles Leo Baughman and Mary (O'Connell) Baughman, he was greatly influenced by the Great Depression. He lived his life by the motto: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!" Mick was a member of the first Holy Communion Class at Queen Miraculous Medal and a graduate of St. Mary's High School, where he was a member of the football team that won the Catholic League of Southern Michigan Championship in 1946. He was a proud graduate of Jackson (Junior) College, Albion College, and the University of Michigan Law School. It was during law school that he met his wife of 51 years, Julia Barbara Ross. Although Mick and Julia were very different, they were a perfect fit providing a model for all to emulate; a long and loving relationship. As an attorney, he practiced law for over 60 years during which he served as president of the Jackson County Bar Association and a short term as a Circuit Court judge. He was highly regarded by his colleagues as well as his adversaries. One of his long-time friends, and a fellow lawyer, fittingly described him: He was a "gentleman's gentleman".

Mick was easily identified around Jackson, biking and walking all over town for decades. However, bike riding was clearly more than just a form of transportation for him as proven by riding in the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac (DALMAC) Bike Tour (including several quad-century rides) for more than 25 years. A competitive athlete, he also participated in Senior Olympics biking events for several years. As a model of health and vitality, there was one exception: Mick's affection for sweets, especially those sold at his favorite bakery, Hinkley's. Mick was an avid reader and also an enthusiast for all the arts including music, film, and theater. In fact, Mick has a theater named after him at Jackson College.

Mick is survived by his sister, Ann Acker, and his five children, Michael James Baughman, Jr (Deborah), Patrick O'Connell Baughman, Daniel Ross Baughman (Victoria), Catherine Marie Savela, and Ann Elizabeth Baughman (Chuck Robbins). Being a grandfather brought Mick great joy and he will be fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren, Michael James Baughman III AKA Trey, Connor Baughman, Drew Baughman, Jaden Baughman, Anthony Savela, Andrew Savela, Marnie Savela, and Colin Robbins. He was fortunate enough to also have four "additional grandchildren" who lived next door, Lucas Hollow, Olivia Varney, Logan Hollow, and Landon Hollow, and is survived by 25 beloved nieces and nephews as well as cherished grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

Mick was preceded in death by his wife, Julia, his parents Leo and Mary, his brother Thomas, sisters, Jean Vainner and Mary Ruth Beach, brothers-in-law, Joseph Vainner, George Beach, and Aaron Acker. Bright sunny days, characteristic of Mick's always positive outlook, delighted him, especially near the end of his life.

To celebrate his long and happy life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Saturday, December 17 at 10:00 am with Father Tyler Arens officiating, followed by a luncheon at Jackson College.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to organizations dear to Mick: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County, Freshwater Future, and Jackson College.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 132 years