James Joseph Baker

James Joseph Baker (Jim) died February 5, 2017 peacefully at his residence in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 84. Jim was born in Newell, Iowa to Alford and Ellen Baker. He graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Business. He and his wife, Mary Jo Skala, married April 12, 1955 and he entered the United States Air Force as a commissioned officer on April 25, 1955. He retired from the USAF in 1975 with the rank of Lt. Colonel and worked at Bass Lumber Company, Wetumpka, Alabama for the next 20 years. Jim and Mary Jo had a very happy marriage for 43 years until her untimely death in July 1998. Jim married Hilda Holmes of Montgomery in May 2003, and continued to live in Montgomery, working on their ministry, Love Never Fails, and enjoying spending time with grandchildren from both marriages. Jim also volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and helped coordinate St. John's Soup Kitchen. He was a member of St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church from his arrival in Montgomery in 1971 until his death. He loved his Lord, his Church, his family and his hobbies-golf and bluebirds. Jim is survived by his three children: Jeffrey Baker (Connie) Holtville, Alabama, Therese Wesley (Jeff) Huntsville, Alabama, Jackie Stembridge (Jay) Montgomery, Alabama and his grandchildren: Lauren Bryant (Pat), James Wesley, Rachel Wesley, Megan Stembridge, Katie Stembridge and Connor Carraway. He was also survived by his brother Gene Baker( Fort Dodge, Iowa ), Bonnie Matthys (Sun City, Florida), and Karen Johnson (Omaha, Nebraska). Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo Skala, and by his daughter Christine Baker (died March 1961). The celebration of Jim's life will begin with a rosary at 9:30 am in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church. The visitation will follow from 10:00-11:00am. The funeral, also held at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, will begin at 11:00am on February 8. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery will begin at 1:30pm with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Bede at 3870 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36109. Arrangements under the direction of White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home, Montgomery, AL.