James Gary Baker, Sr

James Gary Baker, Sr. 81, passed away peacefully with family on Friday April 29th at Memorial Hospital. Born May 4th, 1940 in Haines City, Florida to Charles Andrew Baker and Ella Louise Baker. His family moved to Jacksonville when he was very young. James graduated Paxon High School. He moved to Nassauville, Florida for many years, then Texas before eventually returning to reside in Jacksonville. He had a great passion for woodworking and worked his entire life as a contractor/carpenter. Before his declining health he would spend days riding his Harley through the scenic Florida back roads. He loved taking his granddaughter on rides. He had a love and compassion for animals so his family would always find him bringing pets home. He was known to take a few of them on Harley rides as well.

James was the youngest of 3 children and he is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sylvia Sills, Nassauville, FL, and brother, Earl Baker, Bonham, TX
He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Swenson (Perry Gibbs) and son, James Gary Baker, Jr. (Monika); 2 granddaughters, Miranda Vega (Macy Evans, III) and Shannon Crow (James); step-grandson, Shaun Marksbury (Heather) and 9 great-grand children: Renee Vega, Alexander, Nicholas, Ethan Crow, and MIcah, Sage, Jake, Karli, Felicity Marksbury.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. If so desired memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville humane Society