James Lawrence Baker

BAKER, James Lawrence James Lawrence Baker, of West Hartford, 87, beloved husband, stepfather and grandfather, died at St. Francis Hospital on Tuesday (September 22, 2009). He was born in Mt. Vernon, NY, the son of the late John Milton and Mildred Toussaint Baker and was predeceased by his twin brother Dr. John Gilbert Baker and his older brother Roger. Surviving him are his wife of 28 years, Cécile "Cici" Baker; his six step children and their spouses; and 18 grandchildren: Denise O'Neal (David) and David Jr.; Michael E. Haylon (Carol) and Scott, Michael, Annie, Lisa and Mick; William Haylon, Jr. (Polly) and Gil, Todd, Sarah and Chase; Timothy Haylon (Trish) and Tom, Anne-Marie and Mary-Kate; Richard Haylon (Paget) and Nicole, Christopher and Jeffrey; Marilé Borden (David) and Jack and Lia. Also surviving are his beloved nieces: Johanna and Maura Baker and his nephews: Andrew, Rod, and John Baker; along with his devoted caregiver and friend, Paul Sanady. Jim graduated from MIT with a degree in metallurgical engineering and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He spent most of his working career with Chase Brass in Waterbury. After his retirement he volunteered regularly for Habitat for Humanity and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels several times each week. A member of the Hartford Tennis Club and the Bloomfield Tennis Club, Jim competed for many years in senior tennis tournaments around New England and in Bermuda. An avid car buff, he spent almost two years with his sons building a replica of a vintage MG. Jim and Cici shared a love of travel and Jim's photographs document the beauty and quirkiness of cities and villages near and far. He could always be counted on to perform emergency repairs on the homes of his children, his friends and at his church. He worked long hours in his basement workshop turning out end tables, coffee tables, desks and computer tables and he lovingly outfitted his children's growing families with beautiful, hand-made rocking horses. He was a member of the Church of St. Timothy, served as a Minister of the Eucharist and for 25 years was an enthusiastic bass in the church choir. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 26, at 11 a.m. in the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 N. Main St., West Hartford, 06117. Calling hours will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Church of St. Timothy, or the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, 780 Windsor St. /PO Box 1933, Hartford CT 06112. On line expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com