Joseph James Baldwin

Joseph J. "Joe" Baldwin, 36, of Waterloo, died Monday, January 17, 2022, at MercyOne Waterloo from Covid-19 pneumonia.

He was born September 9, 1985, in Waterloo, the son of Robert Baldwin and Melissa (Mysak) Ledesma.

Joe graduated from Waterloo East High School with the class of 2003. He went on to receive his associate degree from Hawkeye Community College. He then continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and sociology in May of 2016.

He had enlisted in the United States Army until his medical discharge.

Joe loved working as a bus driver for the Cedar Falls Community School District. He treasured the kids who rode his bus; they were like family to him. He was a positive influence in their lives.

He had a passion for disc golf. In his free time, he would often play video games, board games, or visit escape rooms with family and friends, allowing him to show his competitive side. Joe was a jokester, always going the extra mile to make those around him crack a smile.

Survived by his wife, Jessy Nelson; mother, Melissa (Tom Forney) Ledesma; father, Robert "Bob" Baldwin; four sisters, Mia Guzman, Keri (Jeff) Smith, Kassie (Darius) Baldwin, and Kendall (Brandon) Jacoby; two brothers, Brandon Hall and Bradley McCraney; paternal grandfather, Ray (Jane) Clark; maternal grandfather, Pedro Ledesma all of Waterloo; mother-in-law, Sharon Nelson of Washburn; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceded in death by grandmothers, Rebecca Mysak, Barbara Clark, and Sandra Forney; and aunt, Sandy Mysak Ledesma.