James was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Florida National Guard. He was a retired USDA Forest Service Researcher for 42 years and a member of Second Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. He was awarded the USDA Superior Service Award in 1995, the USDA Forest Service Superior Science Award in 1997, and was inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame in 2001. James was a member of the Society of American Foresters. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and photography. He was a Christian man who accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and served his Savior well.
James is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 64 years, Barbara Clark Baker of Monticello; two sons, James C. Baker of North Little Rock, AR and Terrell S. Baker and wife Sheila of El Dorado, AR; two grandsons, Jacob Baker of Monticello, AR, and Caleb Baker of Manhattan, MT; and one granddaughter, Randie Adams, of McAllister, MT; one sister Judy Baker Carr, and husband David, of Henderson, TX; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in El Dorado, AR with Rev. Ray Hearron officiating. There will be a visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Baptist Church of Monticello, AR or to the 'Baker Family Natural Resources Scholarship' at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Condolences(6)
Shelia Ratledge
monticello, AR Monday, January 6, 2025 Mrs Barbara I'm so very sorry for the loss of your best friend the other piece of your heart, I remember you and Mr James were the very first ones to come visit us and invite us back to church mykids always hadlook and make sure Mr . James was in his spot each week. Hugs Prayers and Much Love. Shelia Danny and EliJean Rhodes
Camden, AR Friday, December 27, 2024 Barbara I am so sorry for the loss of your loving husband James. Take solace in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Genna C. Morrow
Denver, CO Thursday, December 26, 2024 Hi Barbara. I'm so sorry you lost James. But I'm so happy you found each other. Someday I would like you to tell me your love story. I met James a few times and he was so nice. How he put up with Uncle Fletcher and my daddy I'll never know!I sure will be thinking of you. Love, cousin Bebee
Barbara A Posey
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 26, 2024 Mrs. Barbara and family I am so sorry to hear this about Bro. JIM. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Barbara and family, You all have my prayers at this time of great loss. May you find comfort in the fact that your loved one is with his LORD>Larry Hedrick
Hot Springs, AR Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Jimmy and family, please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. He was a Forest Service colleague, an exceptional scientist, and a dear friend. His scientific research and influence will continue to benefit forest management and conservation in the decades ahead.