Thomas James Baker Jr.

Thomas James Baker, Jr.

Knoxville - Thomas J Baker, age 93, passed away on December 10, 2020. Affectionately known to many as TJ, he was an exemplary father to his children, and a loyal and caring provider to them and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was never too far away, sharing gentle support, love and the mischievous glimmer in his eye with everyone. A model of kindness, especially to the children and elderly in his church family, Tom reached out to the needy and supported financially many organizations and charities that were dear to his heart.

He found joy in gardening - and sharing the beauty of creation - with his neighborhood, faith and retirement communities. Together TJ and his wife Kathy were devoted volunteers, rain and shine. Afterwards they could be found at their favorite ice cream parlor sharing a milkshake and blowing their straw papers across the room. He never missed a chance to ballroom dance and his granddaughters loved laughing with him as he would lift and twirl them to his favorite big band classics.

Tom instilled the importance of curiosity and learning in his children and spoke fondly of his alma maters, Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA, and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he earned a BS degree in Civil Engineering. Commissioned as an Ensign in the US Naval Reserve, Tom served briefly in the Pacific during WW2. Knoxville became his longtime home through his service with Rust Engineering, where he was a dedicated and accomplished project manager for 40 years worldwide. He was a registered Professional Engineer in NY State, a member of the American Military Engineers, National Society of Engineers, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, active in all levels of the Boy Scouts of America and was a Junior Achievement advisor.

Tom is survived by his wife, Katherine; children, Jim (Jean), Greg, Richard and Mary; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his eldest child, Karen, and twin sons, Joseph and John.

Inurnment will be held privately at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, due to covid-19 concerns, and a memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom's memory to St. Therese Catholic Church, 701 S Charles G Seivers Blvd, Clinton, TN 37716. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.