James William Baker

James William Baker was born and raised in the Oak Mountain area of Shelby County, Alabama, just south of Birmingham. He attended God’s House Kindergarten, Inverness Elementary, Riverchase Middle School, and after time in both Louisville, Kentucky, where his youngest sister was born, and at Lyman Ward Military Academy, he returned home to graduate from Pelham High School. Jim entered the Marines soon after high school. He did his basic training at Parris Island and was stationed in Japan then San Diego. He learned so much from and treasured his time spent in the Marines, especially Japan. He was proud of his service and continued to care deeply about others and the world around him.

Upon returning home, Jim lived in Birmingham, Montevallo, and Tuscaloosa. Extremely intelligent, he was also an athletic and hard-working young man. He cherished time he spent taking courses at the University of Montevallo, where his writing talent was recognized and awarded by his professors and appreciated by his peers. He enjoyed biking, mountain biking, and being in nature. He valued the friendships he made. He loved being around family and grew up close to many cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his Granny, Mary Frances Dutton, Mammaw Alice Baker, Pappaw William B. Baker, Uncle Franklin Pierce Dutton [Jane], Aunt Peggy Baker MacAllister, Grandma Martha June Cox, Leslie Cox, and his cousin and former roommate, Lisa Dutton Brody.

Jim will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. Survivors include his mother, Beth Dutton Baker, sister Amy Baker Aguirre [PJ], father William B. Baker, Jr., Rebecca Cox Baker, sister Katie [William] and brother Brian [Brooke & children/Allie, Ben, Lucy] and his other beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Brain Injury Association of America and the Bob Woodruff Foundation

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 9:30 A.M. at Alabama National Cemetery with Military Honors, 3125 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL.

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