Of Jackson, passed away at the age of 67, unexpectedly while on vacation in Florida on Saturday, January 19, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Schave) Baker; two children, Jimmy (Atalie) Baker and Tanya (Keith) Koehler; five grandchildren, Raelynn, Avery, Kassandra, Toby, and Bella; brother, Kenny (Laura) Baker; sister, Kris Baker as well as nieces, nephews, loving family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Holly Baker. He was born in Trenton, Michigan on July 17, 1951 to James and Ruth (Rapp) Baker and is a 1970 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan. Jim spent his working career as an electrical inspector. He and Patricia raised their family in Southgate, Michigan and Jim retired from Great Lakes Steel in 2001. They relocated to Jackson to enjoy living on the lake. Jim also was employed with the city of Ann Arbor for eleven years and then went on to work for the University of Michigan as well as Napoleon and Rollin Townships. He was a hard working family man. He enjoyed traveling, camping and making people laugh. Under the Amateur Radio callsign N8RWK, his reach spanned from local events, to the other side of the world. He always seemed to know when his help was needed, and was always there to give a hand – with a great sense of humor in everything he did. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. A service honoring his life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (122 W. Wesley Street Jackson, MI 49201) on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Sommerfeld officiating. The family will receive friends at Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home for visitation on Friday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again at the Church one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Oakgrove Cemetery in Napoleon Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter will be appreciated.
