John Baldwin, 85

John Ashby "Jack" Baldwin, 85

John Ashby Baldwin, known also as "Jack," entered the presence of his Lord Jesus on June 30, 2021. Jack was living in Phuket, Thailand, and was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing.

Jack was a strong motivator and a caring person, who was full of humor and made friends easily. He had a strong work ethic, and loved nothing more than to mentor his family and friends, giving sound advice and encouragement. He was known for his storytelling and prodigious memory. He never forgot a joke or story, and shared them liberally. He was a truly gifted storyteller.

Jack was always ready to lend a helping hand, and worked in all of his children's businesses and on their homes. He was truly a "Jack of all trades," who could fix nearly anything, yet also advise on the best way to do things, be it building a home, operating a business, or how to water ski.

Jack was born to Robert and Alice (Peacock) Baldwin in 1934 in Everett, Wash. The family moved to Spokane, Wash., where he attended West Valley High School, and met a wonderful girl named Carlene Mae Nesbitt, whom he married in 1952. They had four children. Jack joined the Air National Guard in 1953, and retired in 1990 as Chief Master Sergeant after a 38 year career.

Carlene had strong Idaho roots. She introduced Jack to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where in 1959 they bought a lake lot and proceeded to build a house, mostly by themselves, using materials that were salvaged or purchased at bargain prices. This house is still in the family, and has been a focal point for many family and friends events. The fourth generation is now using the house, the lake, building happy memories, and hearing stories of Grandpa Jack.

Jack was preceded in death by Carlene in 2001, and then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met Elizabeth Valentine, fell in love and whom he married in 2006. They lived in Hawaii until moving to Phuket, Thailand in 2016.

Jack and Carlene attended and were charter members of Valley Fourth Memorial Church. Jack served on several church and school boards. Jack was a Christian and encouraged others to believe.

Jack is survived by his wife Betsy; son James and wife Paula, son John Kevin, all who live in Thailand, daughter Dianne Shaw, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, son Brent and wife Sue, Hayden, Idaho; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brother-in-law Monte Nesbitt, Cheney, Wash., and sister-in-law Diana Baldwin, Tacoma, Wash. and several nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray, Bob and Bill as well as his son-in-law, Dallas Shaw.

A private family gathering will be planned where Jack's ashes will be placed in the family memorial on Hayden Lake.