Former Oceanside resident, Rockville Centre employee James York Baldwin

Former Oceanside resident James York Baldwin died in Hospice Care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital on Aug. 5. He was 83.

Baldwin most recently lived in Farmington, Conn., and was born on April 21, 1938 to Professor Robert Chester (Chet) Baldwin and Catherine Baldwin of Storrs, Conn. He had a long business career and served in a leadership position at Dun & Bradstreet; as a social worker, he counseled clients part-time at the Oceanside Counseling Center and had a small private practice.

At age 83, Baldwin was one of the oldest surviving heart transplant recipients. His family members said they would always be grateful to the heart donor and his family and to the marvelous medical caregivers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. They offer special thanks to his cardiologist Dr. Ronald E. Drusin and his surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Baldwin’s undergraduate studies began at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus, and he earned a bachelor’s degree from American International College. Later, he earned a master’s in social work at Adelphi University School of Social Work in Garden City.. He also served in the U.S. Army.

After graduating from AIC, Baldwin was employed at the New York City offices of Dun & Bradstreet and continued his career as a leader in the Rockville Centre office, where he was a reporting manager.

A passionate Red Sox fan, Baldwin was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing current events. For many years, he was a member of the St. Agnes Cathedral choir and church choir; he also sang with the cathedral Resurrection choir. He sought ways to interact with youngsters and represented Dun & Bradstreet in his work with the Boys and Girls Club New York City chapter.

During his teenage years, he worked as a pinboy at the Storrs campus bowling alley and later was a member of the Dun & Bradstreet bowling team. While an undergraduate student at UConn, Baldwin won the campus-wide pool championship. Post retirement he enjoyed membership in the Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning, which is part of the Molloy College Continuing Education Program.

Baldwin’s family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Connecticut and each and every member of the UConn medical and nursing staff, as well as other hospital personnel. Everyone cared for him in an exemplary way, showing kindness and compassion throughout his hospital stay.  

Baldwin was married to his beloved and devoted wife, Joyce Yurko Baldwin, on a glorious Indian Summer day, on Sept. 17, 1966, in Storrs, Conn.  After their marriage, they lived in Brooklyn Heights for four years, near the Promenade overlooking the Lower Manhattan skyline and harbor. In 1970 the couple moved to Oceanside, where they remained until 2018 when they relocated to Farmington, Conn. In addition to Joyce, Baldwin is remembered by his family and extended family of a host of nearly lifelong friends.  Everyone who met Baldwin was deeply touched by his love and caring for those around him, as well as by his delightful sense of humor, sometimes coined “Jimmy-isms.”  

In addition to his wife, Baldwin is survived by his brother, Robert (Bob) C. Baldwin (Joan); his niece, Jennifer Spector; his nephews Dr. Michael Baldwin (Dr. Jennifer Baldwin); Jon Baldwin (Jen Baldwin); and his grand-nieces and –nephews, Madeline Rose, Donovan and Marowe; and several cousins.

A Mass will be celebrated privately at St. Patrick’s Church in Farmington, followed at a later date by a virtual memorial service to which all family and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, Baldwin’s family requests that people perform a random act of kindness whenever the opportunity presents itself.  Contributions may be made to a charity of choice, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Farmington Village Green and Library Association (mmckeown.fvgla@gmail.com)

Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.