James "Jim" Bauder

James R. Bauder, aged 90, died April 26, 2026, in Hamilton, Ohio. Jim was born in Delaware, Ohio to William and Dorothy Bauder. Jim developed his love for the land on the family farm, inspiring him to attain degrees in Geology (B.S. 1958) and Soils (M.S. 1964) at The Ohio State University. Subsequently, Jim moved to Canton, Ohio, where he was one of the earliest independent soil scientists in the state. Jim surveyed and mapped soils throughout Northern Ohio, authored or contributed to several major environmental publications, and cofounded the Association of Ohio Pedologists. Jim loved plants, rocks, travel, dogs, his family, and proving that no plastic is single use. He also loved coffee and ice cream, often together. Jim is preceded in death by his wife of more than thirty years, Dolores Stickle Bauder. Jim is survived by his family Melinda Bauder Yonchak, Michael Bauder, Joyce Bauder, Thomas Yonchak, Erin Yonchak, Tyler Bauder, Alyssa Bauder Theodorakakos, Eric Yonchak, Daniel Klodor, and Connor Theodorakakos, and many friends at BridgeWater Church where he was a member. Memorials may be made to Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org, or the Association of Ohio Pedologist at www.ohiopedologists.org. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.websterfuneralhomes.com