RIDGWAY – Jim Baskfield, 74, passed away suddenly, unexpectedly, and peacefully on Feb. 8, 2010. Baskfield and his wife Nita were concluding a six-month trip to see their children, their grandchildren, and to enjoy some sunny days in Florida. Baskfield was rushed to Gulf Breeze Baptist Hospital at noon on Feb. 7, and died from a massive brain bleed on Monday, Feb. 8, at 8:30 a.m. A memorial mass to celebrate Baskfield's life will be held at the new Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Crosslake, Minn., at a date to be determined.

Baskfield leaves behind his cherished wife Nita, and children Ann and her husband Brian Benson and their sons John A., 15, Luke A., 13, and James H., 10, of O’Fallon, Ill.; Elizabeth and her husband Jamey Evans of Denver; Mary and her husband Brian Ketel and their daughters Rachel, 5, and Julia, 3, of Coon Rapids, Minn.; son John and wife Valene Baskfield and their sons Jack, 4, and Isaac, 2, of Ridgway; daughter Sarah and husband Kevin Van Horn; daughter Rachael and husband William H. Miller III and son Brooks, 10 mo., of Crested Butte; daughter Maria and husband Tyler Ashton and son Jacob, 3, and soon-to-arrive granddaughter, of Denver, as well as his brother Glenn and Brent and their wives and children.

Baskfield was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His peace and wisdom live on through all of them. Memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Crosslake, Minn.; The Salvation Army or Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity.