James Baker Obituary – The Petoskey News-Review – Petoskey News-Review

James (Jim) Ross Baker, a life-long resident of Bay Shore, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Bay Shore on August 27, 1939, the son of James Edward and Georgia Louise (Barber) Baker. He grew up in Bay Shore and graduated from Petoskey High School. Jim entered the United States Navy and proudly served as an Aviation Electrician Second Class Petty Officer on the USS Shangri-La, as part of the VA-106 Gladiators Attack Squadron, working on the A-4 Skyhawks. After his honorable discharge, Jim returned home and married the love of his life, Donna Marie Beck in Petoskey on December 26, 1966. They made their home in Bay Shore for the next 55 years. He was a member of IBEW local 498 and Master Electrician when he retired in 2000 with over 40 years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna; 3 children, Kimberly (Jeffrey Genaw) Baker-Genaw of Northville, James (Molly Berneske-Baker) Baker of Lansing, and Brian (Allison) Baker of Harbor Springs; 6 grandchildren, Jacob, Jacquelyn, Elena, Ava, Bella Marie, and Bella Lou; 3 sisters, Gwen (Ray) Bascom, Sandy (Darrel) Somerville, and Mary Ann (Leon) Pearson; and many nieces and nephews.

James has joined his departed family members and will be welcomed to lasting peace by his mother, Georgia; father, James; brother, Mike; and sister, Gayle.

Jim was a great man, Father, and Grandfather. Family was everything to Jim, especially his grandchildren. If asked, any of his grandchildren would say Grandpa can fix anything and he did. When not enjoying time with his family, Jim could be found at his building working on projects, woodworking, or just fixing things. Jim also loved to spend time on his Kubota tractor, taking a drive with Donna in his red Corvette, or watching his grandkids play team sports. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and trying his luck on the slot machines at the Casino. He was a proud veteran and remained an active member of the VA-106 Gladiators Naval Affiliate Group.

Jims life will be celebrated on his birthday, August 27th, at his family home in Bay Shore. His family welcomes all who can join starting at 1:00pm, with a memorial tribute beginning at 3:00pm and US Navy Honors at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James R. Baker Memorial Fund, to support activities important to Jim and a scholarship fund in his name. Donations may be sent to Donna Baker, or Venmo @JamesRBakerMemorialFund. Please reach out to his family at bakerjimj@yahoo.com or jrbdmb26@gmail.com for more details.

Posted online on July 22, 2022

Published in Petoskey News-Review

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James Baker Obituary - The Petoskey News-Review - Petoskey News-Review