James H. Baker

On June 12, 2019 James H. Baker, age 90, departed from his earthly life into his eternal life in Heaven. He was raised by his grandparents, Frank and Emma Baker in the Grove Park area of Atlanta. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1950 with an EE Degree. Mr. Baker married his high school sweetheart, Edna Womack in 1948 and they celebrated their 70th anniversary last September. Mr. Baker served in the Air Force for two years during the Korean Crisis and became Captain before being discharged. Later he got his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying. Some of his happiest times were working on his Cessna 172 and his Beechcraft Bonanza. Mr. Baker was employed for thirty-seven years in a family business, Baker Bros, living in Savannah and later in Doraville. In retirement he worked for Maneurop until he was 65. In 1982 he and Edna built a home on Lake Lanier and they enjoyed their later years traveling in their RV, attending many gospel music conventions and concerts. The last four years were spent in the senior retirement community, Deaton Creek, which they loved. James was ordained a Deacon in Southside Baptist Church in Savannah in 1952 and served in that capacity at North Peachtree Baptist Church in Doraville and also at First Baptist Church in Buford, GA. He was currently a member of First Baptist Church in Flowery Branch. Mr. Baker is survived by his wife; son Terry (Bonnie) Baker; daughter, Bobbie Golden; five grandchildren, Drew Baker, Audrey (Hugh) Merkel, Elise (Andrew) McIver, Suzanne Baker, and Baker Golden; three great grandchildren, Rowan and Adair Merkel and William McIver; three cousins, George, Tony, and Doug Baker; and one niece, Linda Caswell. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Maddie Golden, and a sister-in-law, Lena Cox Eiland. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Gastley officiating. Interment will follow at Peachtree Memorial Cemetery, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross, GA 30092. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 14 one and a half hours prior to the service.