James Alan Baker

He leaves behind countless fond memories, bad jokes, strong political opinions, as well a great pile of golf and Redskins memorabilia for his wife children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Al was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on May 12, 1943 to James Burnie Baker, a Planner and Estimator and Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Gladys M. (nee Grant) Baker, a long-time Resident Manager of Lee Hall Apartments in Portsmouth, both of whom predeceased their son.

Al attended Cradock schools from elementary through graduation from Cradock High School (CHS) in 1962, Al lettered in football, baseball, and basketball. It was in Cradock Middle School where he met his future wife, Gail Edwards Baker, who survives him.

Al was the unofficial photographer and disc jockey for CHS Class of 1962 and never missed the “Cradock Days” every October. He loved being with all of his classmates and reliving the “Good Ol’ Days” each fall. Even though he will not be able to make it this year physically, he will be there in the hearts and memories of his friends and classmates.

From CHS, Al was invited to play football at University of New Mexico, but he left shortly after enrolling to join the United States Army in 1963 where he choose Military Police and Security (MPS) as his Military Occupational Specialty. He served in the MPS until he retired from active duty in 1986.

On January 31, 1968, Al was posted at the United States Embassy in Saigon with the 716th MP Battalion. He had been relieved of duty shortly before the infamous Viet Cong’s Tet Offensive attack on the Embassy. It was during the attack that Al lost four of his comrades and friends. He would carry this loss for the rest of his life and it amplified his innate sense of duty, honor and loyalty.

Loyalty to friends and family is one of the biggest lessons he bestowed on his children. “Family First” was one of Al’s lifelong mottos and he included many close friends as “family.” His unconditional support will be greatly missed by a great many.

As a father, Al was gruff and tenderhearted, although he desperately tried to hide it. He often scared his children’s friends and his daughter’s suitors by his “hard as nails” exterior – and knowledge of weaponry. But, the façade was simply that and the heart that beat inside beat for his loved ones.

After his retirement from the Army, Al enjoyed a second career in private security as the Head of Security of Spotsylvania Mall in the 1990s before leaving to start his own private security firm with other former military partners.

While stationed in near Bremerhaven, Germany, Al joined the Freemasons and obtained the degree of Master Mason at North Sea Armed Forces Lodge #829 where he was elected Worshipful Master in 1983. He continued involvement with Masonry into the 1990s while serving as Associate Bethel Guardian at Bethel #16 of the International Order of Job’s Daughters in Fredericksburg, Virginia. “Dad Al” was a constant companion to “his girls” almost every weekend from 1986 to 1991. He was a stern but fun chaperone. (Although, his girls are grateful to him for introducing the game of pinochle to the Chaperones’ Lounge during dances as it made the adults far too busy to be far too diligent in their chaperoning duties.) He was also known to get out on the dance floor and “show the kids how it’s done.”

Throughout his life, Al remained a sportsman. He hunted, fished, camped, boated, played baseball and softball, bowled, refereed his son’s recreational football teams, and supported the Washington teams, the Nationals and the Redskins. He played golf up to the very day his illness was diagnosed.

His legendary joie de vivre will be missed but he leaves behind memories of childhood hijinks, neighborhood pool party shenanigans, and a colorful vocabulary on golf courses from Quantico’s Medal of Honor to Scotland’s Old Course at St. Andrews.

Along with his childhood sweetheart, Gail, his loss is deeply felt by his children, Steven, Shawn (Chrissy), and Brandy, as well as his brother, Bob Baker (Linda) of Summerville, South Carolina, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.

The family will greet friends for a Visitation at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service in Stafford at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 9, 2018. The memorial will begin directly after at 11:30 am. The interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. The family invites those attending to join them at home after the interment for light refreshments and exchange of memories and laughs.