James Walter Baker

James Walter Baker passed away April 28, 2020 at the age of 84. He was born January 15, 1936 in the community of Pyle, near Dexter, in Stoddard County Missouri. He was the youngest child of Johnie Mikeburen Baker and Icy Vivien Farris Baker. He was known throughout his life as James, Jim, Sonny, Dad and Pappy.  James served in the United States Army, 4^th Division Artillery Unit, in the late 50’s as a surveyor in post-war Germany. He returned home to marry the love of his life Wilma Aldene Baker in 1961. Together they enjoyed 47 years of marriage, mostly in O’Fallon, Missouri and later in Hawk Point, Missouri. They raised three children: Rhonda (Bill) Schrum, James M. (Daniele) Baker and Lori (Steve) McCarthy. They were also blessed with four grandsons: Drew (Jennie) Schrum, Darren Schrum, Nathan McCarthy and Aaron McCarthy.   James was a skilled machinist. He retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft as a tool and die maker. He had a part in many of the spacecraft that went to the moon. Through the years, James enjoyed coaching Little League baseball, hunting and fishing, playing softball and bowling. He enjoyed watching St. Louis sports teams, listening to and dancing to country and western music and reading maps and western novels. He could fix anything. James was a passionate golfer and was loved by anyone who met him and seldom met a stranger because of his engaging smile and quick wit. He was a member of O’Fallon Christian Church. James is preceded in death by his wife Wilma and his parents, his brother Buddy Baker, two sisters, Lone Baker and Lucille O’Dell as well as special friends Violet Crouch and Adele Rinaman.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers-and sisters-in laws and many friends. Graveside services will be held at Sycamore Cemetery near Dexter, Missouri. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later time when social distancing has been lifted.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either of the following:

Troy Senior Center c/o Lincoln County Council on Aging 1380 Boone Street. Troy, Mo. 63379     or

Troy Community Christmas Dinner c/o Ralph Coose 213 Pear Tree Rd. Troy, Mo 63379