John James Baker

John is survived by his sister Cheryl Baker, sister Lynn Slovensky, his brother in law by marriage, but brother at heart, Eddie Slovensky, nephew Boyd Worz (great nephews, Angelo, Boyd, great niece, Lyla), niece Vanessa Steckler (husband Matt), great nephews Weston and Cody, uncles, aunts, cousins, many friends and his faithful companion, his cat Jax. He is preceded in death by his parents, John J. Popovic and Doris B. Baker.

John was an avid NASCAR fan who spent every weekend, cheering on Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Joey Logano. He enjoyed going to car shows and had a love for music, having played the bass guitar when he was a young man. He loved listening to his favorites such as The Who, Rush, AC/DC, Kiss and other great classic rock bands. You would often find him playing ‘air bass’ while attending concerts with his sister, brother-in-law and friends.

John was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan and never wavered. He would attend Browns training camp with his sister and brother-in-law and loved going to games. John loved his pizza, burgers, pop, snacks and candy.

Though John was left with only 10 words after his stroke 30 years ago, he spoke volumes with his positive light and resilient, yet gentle spirit. He offered far more than he ever imagined-more than he truly understood and more than he ever realized. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

"I'm free, and freedom tastes of reality, I'm free-I'm free, an' I'm waiting for you to follow me. If I told you what it takes. To reach the highest high, you'd laugh and say 'nothing's that simple' but you've been told many times before Messiahs pointed to the door and no one had the guts to leave the temple! I'm free-I'm free and freedom tastes of reality I'm free-I'm free and I'm waiting for you to follow me. How can we follow? How can we follow?"

John’s Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 23rd from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with a 5:30 PM Memorial Service. Refreshments to follow. Craciun Funeral Home,14925 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/