James "Jim" Baker

James Baker, age 84 went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2019 in Rancho Bernardo, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Evelyn (Sears) Baker; brother Stanley Baker, Jr.; brothers in law Gene Vuillemot and Jack Tufford; sisters in law Barbara Baker.  He was born in Clio, MI, and raised in the Frankenmuth, MI area graduating from Millington High School, Class of 1953 – their motto was “Find a way or make one.”  He lived out this motto in his 63 years of marriage to his faithful & loving surviving wife, JoAnn Baker -Rancho Bernardo, CA. He is survived by his children Loretta (Mark) LaBianca - Escondido CA, Mark (Vicky) Baker-Grand Rapids MI and Brenda (Suzanne) Baker-San Clemente, CA ;  grandchildren Madeline (Peyton) Berce, Alexander Baker & Olivia Baker-Grand Rapids, MI; brother Harold (Marie) Baker-Frankenmuth MI and sister Beth Tufford-Clio MI; brother in law Keith (John) Mobile-Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim worked in electronics repair certified by Radio Electronic Television Schools. He worked for General Motors - Buick - Flint MI as a quality control inspector until retirement. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 599.

Jim & JoAnn retired to Traverse City MI, then Rockford MI, then finally to Rancho Bernardo CA after enjoying many winters there. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed his retirement years hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed traveling with JoAnn and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His family is deeply appreciative of his wife’s devotion to him in the final years of his life as he persevered a long illness and for the efforts of his church families at the Rockford Baptist Church, Rockford MI and the Rancho Bernardo Community Church, Rancho Bernardo CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to “Rancho Bernardo Community Church”.  17010 Pomerado Rd., San Diego, CA 92128

A memorial service and reception will be held at Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Community Church Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:30 AM.  

17010 Pomerado Rd., San Diego CA, 92128    www.rbcommunity.church

The family has created a permanent obituary available online. Please use this link so your comments & any uploaded photos can be preserved for later viewing. Thank you very much. https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=james-baker&pid=194218620

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