James Robert "Jim Bob" Erwin

James Robert “Jim Bob” Erwin, age 74, of Troy, OH, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH. He was born on September 2, 1951, in Troy, OH, to the late Raleigh Erwin and Eunice (Eggers) Evilsizor.

Jim Bob is survived by his siblings: Joseph Lee Erwin, Linda Erwin and Kona Lynn Bixler. His nephew RJ (Heather) Bruckner and his great nephews Richard II and Maverick of Troy, OH. Also many beloved cousins including Joyce (Ford) Furlong and family, Walton (Linda) Ford and family and many loved extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother: Ronald Erwin.

Jim Bob attended Troy High School where he learned mechanics and made many lifelong friendships, especially his best buddies Carl “Rufus” and Kevin “Womp” Burnside. The Burnside brothers were always there for Jim Bob, whether watching games on TV, a ride to the ballpark, or trips to doctors appointments, they were rocks for Jim Bob.

In 1974 Jim Bob met Coach Frosty (Connie) Brown and was welcomed to the Troy Post 43 Legion baseball program where he spent nearly 50 years doing whatever he could, just to be around the game. He was a scorekeeper, a fan and if you asked him, he was the General Manager. Jim Bob was a beloved “man about town” in Troy. He was often a fixture at the local Hardware store and Staffords Sports Store. He revered Ms. Stafford as his “adopted Mom”. He loved the Cowboys, the Atlanta Braves and always wore a jersey that he got from Staffords.

Jim Bob had a heart of gold. He wore his feelings on his sleeve. Jim Bob would do anything to stand up for those who were blessed to experience his love. He doted and bragged about his friends and family with a kind of pride and sincerity that is hard to come by. Jim Bob was born under a special star, and his light will shine bright forever.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, at Baird Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Following the service, friends and family are also welcomed to the Troy View Church of God, 1770 North County Road 25A, in Troy to break bread, share stories, hugs and laughter.

Memorial contributions may be made to TROY POST 43 BASEBALL, 703 W. Market Street, Troy, OH 45373 in Jim Bob’s name. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.