After growing up in northwest Missouri, his work with livestock publications, including the Angus Journal, landed him in North Platte, Neb., where he founded the Baldridge Place in 1963. He managed and auctioneered countless Angus sales and served as president of the Professional Livestock Auctioneers Association. His culinary skills launched a family catering and food business, as well as its flagship product-Jim Baldridge’s Secret Seasoning.