James “Jim” Baum, 67, of Schnecksville, died peacefully May 18, 2021, in his home after a courageous three-year battle with ALS.

He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Tina (Bakes) Baum, from Allentown. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on May 22.

They had two children and four grandchildren.

Born on Sept. 16, 1953, he was the son of the late Irvin and Alice (Fenstermaker) Baum.

He started working at Mack Trucks in 1973. During this time, he was working full time on the line building trucks and he was attending Muhlenberg College to earn a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, all while raising a young family.

Over his 37-year tenure at Mack, he was a dedicated employee who worked his way up into several management positions, ending his career as a business controller in 2010 when he retired.

He loved sports. As an outstanding athlete in his youth, that love transitioned to a love of watching his grandkids play their sports.

Known by his grandkids as “Grampsy,” he barely ever missed a game and was always their biggest fan.

He spent his first few years of retirement as a nanny or “Gramps on Duty” for his grandkids and then spent the next 10 years vacationing with family and friends and working in his yard.

He also had a passion for woodworking in his basement workshop which is evident throughout his home.

A kind man with a big heart, he was always willing to help others and will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Scott J. Baum and his wife, Jennifer, of Fort Mill, S.C.; daughter Jodie L. Stetz and her husband, Robert, of Breinigsville; brothers Donald Baum and his wife, Carol, of Allentown; Glenn Baum of Florida; sister, Carol Jones and her husband, Rick of Cetronia; and grandchildren, Gabi, Sydney, Owen and Ellie.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Contributions may be made in his name to Team Gleason Foundation or ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.