Obituary of James "Jim" Baker

James “Jim” Harold Baker

August 8, 1934 – October 17, 2018

Ridgeland, MS

Jim Baker (Poppy), 84, of Ridgeland, MS was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, surrounded by family and friends at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital in Jackson, MS.  A visitation honoring Jim will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church at 7427 Old Canton Road, Madison, MS with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following.

Jim was born on August 8, 1934 in Troy, TN to Fred and Hazel Baker. After college, he was employed with BellSouth for 40 years.  He began his career as a splicer’s helper and worked in different positions until retiring as a Director of Construction and Engineering.  During this time, he earned his Professional Engineering License in Electrical Engineering. Jim was then employed by Deviney Construction for 10 years where he was instrumental in the start-up of what is now known as Baker Utilities.  After his second retirement, he continued to serve his church as the Building Superintendent until April of 2017.

Jim enjoyed golfing, handiwork, and volunteering with church and missions.  He loved spending quality “Poppy” time with his grandchildren and he also loved to dance any time he had a chance.  Poppy was known as a kind soul with a caring attitude and a generous spirit.  He never met a stranger and was loved by all.  When trying to define Poppy, there is one common theme…he was a good man.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Hazel Baker and one brother-in-law, Dr. John Atwood.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Agnes Baker of Ridgeland; one son, Doug Baker of Madison; two daughters, Kim Cochran and her husband Mike of Madison and Sherry Lesher and her husband Jimmy of Hattiesburg; one sister, Sue Atwood of Meridian; seven grandchildren, Chris Cochran of Madison, Karli Todd and her husband Jareth of Saraland, AL, Hannah Christopher of Huntsville, AL, Hope Baker of Madison, Meredith McQueen and her husband Joe of Hattiesburg, Melissa Mazer of Hattiesburg, Jamie Lesher of Hattiesburg; and two great grandchildren, Ansleigh McQueen, and Graeham Mazer.

A special thanks to Joanne Jones, Diane Mahon, and the staff at St. Dominic’s for their caring assistance during Jim’s illness.  In lieu of flowers, please make any charitable contributions to St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, MS.

Pall Bearers

John Anthony, Richard Black, Johnny Miller, Dennis Stewart, Jareth Todd, Tom Vinson