James L. "Jim" Baronian Obituary

On Monday, April 15, 2019, James Leo “Jim” Baronian, devoted and beloved husband, proud and inspiring father & grandfather, peacefully passed away at age 84, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on February 12, 1935 in Providence, RI. He proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Evelyn “Evie” (Bejian) Baronian. After his military service, Jim and Evie married, and Jim started his career, working tirelessly to become an exceptionally talented tool maker, to finally concluding his career in management with Tech Industries in 1998. His family is especially proud of all that he accomplished through his exceptional ingenuity, tremendous work ethic, perseverance and never-ending desire to learn. Although humble to a fault, he was a greatly admired professional in his field. After retiring from Tech, Jim worked part-time for Imondi Foods where he introduced many efficiencies that can only be credited to his quest to always be improving and many self-taught skills.

His greatest joy came from spending time with and doting over his adoring wife of over 62 years, Evie. The love they shared is truly inspiring. As great of husband as he was, his children will tell you he was an even greater dad and grandfather. Dad to four eternally thankful children; Donna & Tom Imondi, Karen & Mike Durkin, James H. “Jim” Baronian and Lori & Bubba Hagood and grandfather to eight grandchildren whom he adored beyond words and was lovingly referred to as “Poppa”; Kristy, Kori & Kelsey Imondi, Michael & Jalyn Durkin, and Jimmy, Hannah & Will Baronian. He was very excited to welcome his newest grand-additions Kayla Murphy (Michael’s fiancé) and James Lanciotti (Kori’s fiancé). The family affectionately dubbed their times together as Mandatory Family Fun and Jim/Dad/Poppa was certain to be at the center of the action.
Jim had many passions; working in his beautiful yard (under the watchful eye of Evie), wood-working, Photoshop, home improvement, building and rehabbing furniture, and other joy-inspiring projects for Evie and of course his family. He spent countless hours cheering for his kids and grandkids at athletic events, and no one will ever forget the many custom birthday cards and envelopes he so creatively designed for friends and family, nor will they forget his famous “shot board”. He was known for his quick wit, sharp mind, youthful zest for life, inquisitive nature, incredible selflessness and tireless work ethic - including when it came to staying fit and joining Work Out World at age 80.

He readily acknowledged that he had lived a very full and fulfilling life. Living each day with an abundance of gratitude and; even if his final challenging months, was so appreciative of the care he received from the Neurology Department at RI Hospital, the Acute Rehab Facility at Kent County Hospital, the Radiation team at Mass General, and the Neuro-Oncology team at Mass General, with a special thanks to Sharon Whitney, PA, Ashley Will, PT, and Dr. Kevin Oh, MD. He and his family are also grateful to the men and women of VNA Hospice of New England.

A wake will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 18th at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI. A funeral will be held on Friday, April 19th at 10:30 AM from Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home proceeded by a burial at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 301 S County Trail, Exeter, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St, Providence, RI 02908, or Mass General Hospital - Neuro-Oncology, 55 Fruit Street, # Yaw9e, Boston, MA 02114.