James R. Todd, Jr. "Toddy"

It is with a broken heart that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, James R. Todd Jr., on February 3rd, at the age of 77. The highlight of Jim’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Elsie (Tomlinson). They shared their deep love for each other for over 54 years. They even had the same birthday! They met at Millersville State College in 1967 where Jim excelled at basketball and baseball. 

Jim was born in 1947 to Jim and Lois Todd in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended Parsons College and Millersville State College to play baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1969. For 5 years, he pitched for several minor league teams and in the off season for a Venezuelan team that won their country’s World Series.

In 1974, he was called up to the Big Leagues to pitch for the Chicago Cubs. The next year he was traded to the Oakland A’s where he had his greatest success. In 1975, Sporting News named him one of the best relief pitchers in baseball with a record of 8 wins, 12 saves, and a 2.29 ERA. He appeared in all three of the American League Championship games that year. In the following three years, he pitched for the Cubs, the Mariners, then returned to the A’s for his final season. 

Jim was later inducted into the McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame, the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame, and his name is listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

After his baseball career ended, Jim worked in the business world and one of those jobs brought the family to Parker. Eventually he founded his own company doing real estate appraisals, which he pursued until his retirement in 2023. Elsie became a math teacher, retiring in 2013, after teaching high school for 28 years. 

Jim was also a mentor and coach to his daughters and grandchildren, who all share a similar love for the game. His 15 years of coaching impacted the lives of many young athletes.

In retirement, Jim and Elsie enjoyed golf, travel, music, dancing, and most importantly each other with their never ending zest for life. They were devoted to their two daughters, Natalie Odette-Baxley and Ashley Buttshaw and their five grandchildren Grant, Hailey, Makayla, Mikey, and Jimmy. He is also survived by his son-in-law, William Baxley and his siblings, Cindy Gebhard and Don Todd.

Jim will be missed beyond words by everyone who knew him.  We love you Toddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 1 pm at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue Parker, CO 80138.  Reception immediately following.  

In Lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org in memory of James Todd, send e-card to [email protected].