Obituary for James T. Baker
James “Jim” Baker, dearly loved husband, father and grandpa-to-be, passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2019. Jim was born on November 25, 1949 in Hillsboro, Oregon to Robert and Patsy (Stevens) Baker. He grew up in rural Alaska until the age of 11 when his family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After high school he served in the Army from 1968-1971. Jim and his wife Karen met while both attending college and married in May of 1977 in Oklahoma City. They had two beautiful children, Hannah and Paul, and later relocated to Mill City, Oregon in 1990.
Jim earned an Associate of Arts in Drafting from Champagne Junior College (Illinois), studied Biblical History at Southwest Bible College for three years (Oklahoma City) and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Sciences from Central State University (Edmond, Oklahoma). From 1977-1982 Jim owned a custom furniture business, Baker Enterprises, and started his career as a computer programmer at Feed the Children. He then worked for Western TeleData in Stayton, Oregon and later retired as Data Processing Manager for Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company. After retiring, Jim became the caretaker of Fairview Cemetery in Gates, Oregon.
Jim was known for riding his bicycle to and from work (Mill City to Stayton) every day, rain or shine. He passionately pursued the art and science of running, cycling, skiing, woodworking, metalworks, photography, cooking, reading, technology, and handmade gourmet chocolates. Jim was a quiet and humble man who was accepting, open minded and understanding. He had an unexpected dry, yet sometimes goofy, sense of humor that could make his family laugh. Anyone who knew Jim was in awe of his multiple talents and his ability to motivate and discipline himself to reach his goals.
He is preceded in death by his mother Patsy. He is survived by his father Robert Baker of Oklahoma City (OK); wife, Karen Baker of Mill City; children Hannah(Elison) Kunini of Abuja (Nigeria) and Paul Baker of Salem (OR); siblings David(Derrinda) Baker of Oklahoma City (OK), Ed(Janell) Baker of Oklahoma City (OK), Sandy Greba of Sitka (AK), Candy(Terry) Callaway of Portland (OR), Karen Evanson of Gresham (OR), Becky(Ed) Rich of Moore (OK), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at weddle-funeral.com.
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