James “Jim” Baker 73 of Los Banos passed on July 18th, 2024 at his son’s home in Modesto where he lived for the last 4 months with his family at his side.
Jim was born on February 27, 1951 to parents Leroy and Retta Baker of Dos Palos, the oldest of their combined 11 children. He grew up in Dos Palos and Los Banos attending schools in both. He learned how to be a mechanic and drive a truck from his dad Leroy while working in the repair shop his dad owned. When he turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served overseas in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon being Honorably Discharged in 1971, he returned to Los Banos to live. That is where he met and married Lizabeth Piper and they had 3 daughters. They later divorced in 1982.
He later met Stacey Coker in 1987 and they were married in 1995 and they had a son in between. Jim was very proud of all his children and tried his best to be a good father and husband. Jim found God and was baptized in his mother’s church in 1992. He wasn’t much for attending church regularly but he always tried to live a good life in the eyes of God. Jim was a good, hard-working man who spent his time off fishing, gardening, and spending his time with his family. He was good at everything he did and he could fix anything and run any piece of equipment he was put on.
He was very well known in Los Banos, working for many companies there. His longest time was spent working for D&S Dragline for 10 years before returning to driving a truck for Cascade Drayage in Planada before becoming disabled in 2006. He spent all of his time with his family after that. He enjoyed seeing his family grow, becoming a grandfather to 9 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 7 great-grandchildren.
Jim always had a way with babies and loved welcoming new life into his family. He was very much loved and will be missed by us all. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Retta Baker, sister-in-law Robin (Battle) Baker, sister-in-law Cheryl (Coker) Canady, brother Timothy Turman, sister Carol (Baker) Canady, and his first wife Lizabeth (Piper) Baker.
Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years Stacey Baker of Modesto, his daughters Sarah (Rob) Koop, Amy (Todd) Kimpton, Elisha (Chris) Courtney, and his son James “Jimmy” Baker Jr. Also survived by his siblings Rick (Penny) Baker, Bobby Baker, Sue (Mike) Bunyard, Shirley (Joe) Ingalls, Wendi Anderson, Katie Ramirez, Keith (Jeanette) Baker, Dayle (Rebecca) Baker, and Daymean (Christina) Baker, as well as grandchildren Heather, Courtnie, Colton, Tatum, Stormie, Jurnee, and Rachel. Additionally survived by his great-grandchildren Rhylea, Carlee, Levi, Houston, Carmine, Arabella, and Indie.
He will be interned at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Friday, August 9th at 11:00am. Immediately following the graveside service, a reception will be held at the Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene at 1248 Santa Barbara Dr., Los Banos, CA 93635.
He is very much loved and missed by all!
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