James R. Baker

James R. Baker, 86, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on May 3, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lucy Baker. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Pamela, sister Barbara (Roger) Gledhill of Ann Arbor, Michigan, son Jeffrey (Connie) of Norfolk, Virginia, daughter Deborah (Geoff) Koeppel of Ocala, Florida, and son James (Katelyn) of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jim graduated from Purdue University in 1962 and served two years of active duty in the Navy, followed by 24 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring as Captain. He lived on Grand Island, New York, where he spent his entire 35-year engineering career at Linde-Praxair in Tonawanda. He retired in 1996 and moved to Florida in 2000.

He will be remembered for his love of golf, fishing, and bridge, in which he achieved the rank of Life Master. He took great joy in helping neighbors and friends, and spent several years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

In keeping with his wishes, he asked only that loved ones and friends say a prayer for his salvation and wish him “Fair winds and following seas.”

Fair winds and following seas.

Final arrangements are by Acacia Park Cemetery, North Tonawanda, New York.