James L. Baker

Our dad, the man, the myth, the legend, Deacon James L. Baker, 88 years young, of Wilson City, passed away and entered the ancestral plane June 27, 2021. He was the youngest of five children, born January 25, 1933 to Clay and Lucy Baker, in Wilson City, MO.

At the age of 17, James Baker relocated to Milwaukee, WI. where he lived with Phil and Joe Presberry and was employed by the American Partition company until he was drafted to the United States Army in May of 1953.

He attended basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was then stationed at Walters Air Force base in Corpus Christi, Texas. He became an engineer where he built bridges, air strips, and repaired roads. Later, he was stationed at Thule, Greenland where he continued his engineering practices, repairing airstrips and bridges. After obtaining an honorable discharge, he returned to his roots in Wilson City, MO where he began a career working at Burkhardt in shipping and receiving.

He then met Elsie Ree Rodgers and fathered six children and gained four bonus kids.  In 1987 he married  his high school sweetheart, Freddie Foster, and remained faithfully married until her passing in October 2019.  While married  to Freddie and living in Michigan City, Indiana, he rededicated his life to Christ and served as a deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  James  worked at Sullair LLC. for more than 30 years. He later returned to his childhood home—Wilson City.

He was a member of Ollie Grove Baptist Church, under the teachings of Pastor Gibson.  Affectionately referred to as “Dick”, he loved fishing, spreading the Good News, and spending time with family and friends. James was a devoted husband, father and friend. He presented himself a living testimony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Walter and Elmer), two sisters (Willie Mae and Bessie), and wife (Freddie). James is survived by six sons: Tyrone (Jennifer), Ricky (Elizabeth), Larry (Alexis), Keith (Rebecca), Lawrence (Patricia), and Victor;  four daughters: Christine (James), Janetta (Ralph), Delores (Johnathan), and Diane; five bonus children: Carolyn, Emma, Wynetta, Florestine (Charles), Ivan (Cynthia), and LaDonna, as well as 45 grandchildren, numerous great-grand children and countless family and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 11:00 A.M until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Ollie Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson City, Missouri with Pastor Samuel Gibson officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery  with full military honors.