Photo courtesy of Frye Chapel & Mortuary of Blythe - Blythe
Jul 23, 1939 - Mar 16, 2026
Oh wow. Just seeing the name and picture brought back a flood of fond memories from many years gone by.
The Baker family, my family and several other families shared many good times in the 50’s and 60’s.
My condolences to Kay and the Baker family.
Rest in Peace Phil.
Janice Schindler
March 21, 2026 | Burley, ID | Friend
To: Kay, Renee, Laura & Families, I would like to express my sincere condolences. May God grant you all the peace that passes all understanding at this time. Phil was an example of how a true man of the desert/ valley should be.
Lowell Todd
March 18, 2026 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
My condolences to the family and friends.
Beatrice Rincon
March 17, 2026 | Blythe, CA
James Phillip Baker, known to all as Phil, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters, at his home in Indio, California, on March 16, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1939, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Ben and Ludie Baker. He moved to the Palo Verde Valley in 1946. He graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1958 and from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1965 with a degree in farm management. He married Doris Kay Mitchell, known to all as Kay, on February 12, 1966, and together they had two daughters, Renee and Laura.
Phil was a lifelong farmer in the Palo Verde Valley, where he spent his days doing the work he loved most and caring for the land that meant so much to him.
Phil was known for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and deep dedication to his family. Farming wasn’t just his livelihood—it was his way of life. Through the years, he worked the fields with pride and perseverance, building a life rooted in hard work, honesty, and commitment.
Outside of farming, Phil loved the Western way of life. He especially enjoyed roping in his younger days and spending time with his horses and livestock. The farm and the open land were where he felt most at home.
Above all, Phil was a devoted husband, family man, and a kind and respectful friend. He shared a loving life with his wife and daughters and took great pride in his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kay Baker; daughters, Renee (Kurt) Mammen and Laura (Chris) Galvan; his grandchildren, Christian (Yessica) Galvan, Anya Mammen, and Georgia Mammen; his great-grandson, Bashtian Galvan; his brother, Ron (Glen) Baker; and his nephews and niece, Steve, David, and Leslie.
Phil will be remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength—a man who loved his family, respected the land, and lived a life defined by hard work and simple values. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply.
He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. A celebration with his family will be held at a later date.
“Dementia does not arrive like a sudden flood. It arrives like a tide that keeps coming in, and each time it pulls back, something that was there before is simply gone, and you learn not to look for it.”
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