James R. Baker

James Baker Obituary

Baker, James R.
86 of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on August 31, 2009. Proud owner of Baker Nursery with wife Collette and Daughters. Jims love was greeting his customers giving them tours around the nursery on his electric cart, telling stories and was always ready to share a new joke. He especially enjoyed giving flowers to little girls and lucky rocks to little boys. We wish to thank Hospice of Arizona Dr. Soni, Flannery Diel, and our Angel Rosa. We are most grateful to our kind, caring caregivers: Marilyn Smith, Jerilyn Smith, Kristie Mercado and Miriam Arrindell. We would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the Baker Nursery family of employees, you mean more to us then you will ever know. In lieu of flowers we would like donations given to the James R. Baker Master Gardeners Scholarship program with the University of Arizona Master Gardeners program @ 4341 E. Broadway Phoenix, AZ
85040. A visitation will be held on Thursday September 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM and Funeral Service at 11:00 AM both to be held at Greenwood Memory Mausoleum 719 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Baker

14 Entries

Al Moore

September 29, 2009

We knew him as Uncle Ray. My mother (Artie Lee Baker Moore) was his sister, and spoke often of him. I wish I could have known him better.
Al Moore
Gladstone, MO

Keith Mosca

September 9, 2009

I have been renting plants from Bakers Nursery for over 20 years for TV commercials and Films. Jim and his family have always made it a very pleasurable experience. Jim, I will miss your kindness and wonderful sense of humor. We truly need more people like you in this world. My thoughts and prayers go to your family.

Jeannie Cochell

September 6, 2009

Mr Baker was such a wonderful supporter of the local gardening clubs and for that, we are eternally grateful. When we see a public garden, we see his passion for the beauty of our world.

Alma Williams

September 6, 2009

In a world where so many are trapped in joyless jobs, Mr. Baker was a shining example of the admonition to "do what you love". It was just impossible to encounter Mr. Baker, take a zippy ride with him around the nursery and leave not feeling happier than when you arrived. He had an inner joy that shone through and the rare ability to make everyone feel special. Mr. Baker, you will be sorely missed.

Jim Kochan

September 4, 2009

My condolences on your loss. It was my privilege to have met Mr. Baker on a visit to the nursery. I left there with far more than I had come for because it was like talking with an old friend whom you’ve know for years. Mr. Baker’s influence has touched my garden and thousands of others in the valley of the sun. Thank you.

Alice Thomson

September 4, 2009

When Red and I found out about Mr. Baker’s death, we could hardly speak. Mr. Baker was a giant in our lives, decades of talking to him about not just plants but everything. Politics, nature, Texas, God, the world. Always, always, always, Mr. Baker had a helpful thing to say, a generous thing to do. He was, after all, continuing the divine work of tending the garden planet and helping all of us other mortals who take this so seriously. I look around Phoenix, Arcadia, the Biltmore, Rancho Ventura, everywhere I drive or bike or walk and there they are---beautiful green trees, shrubs, bushes, grasses and happy little flowers bursting open all coming from Mr. Baker’s, all happily settled in our yards. My very favorite memories of Mr. Baker are driving out to the West wall of tall trees and sitting quietly in the cart, no jokes, no travel tales, no words, just silence. Mr. Baker knew I had been raised on a ranch with ditches lined with these trees and as a child I loved the needles and the scent. In this gesture of just sitting there, Mr. Baker let me remember and respect my parents. He reminded me of them---work was his life, his life was his work and his work was all about nature, the REAL nature of things on this planet. Seeds and plants and growth cycles and fruit and berries and flowers---these are the things that have always and will always know just what to do and if you wanted to be part of that celebration of life you went to see Mr. Baker and you would leave with more life than you came in with. I’ll be missing you, Mr. Baker, but I’ll be seeing you in the garden. I send my love, respect and sympathy to Mr. Baker’s fine family. Alice

Red Patterson

September 4, 2009

Mr. Baker didn’t just sow the seeds of plants, through his actions and advice he sowed seeds in our lives and helped us grow. For me it was Ch’I Pots and Mr. Baker was more than encouraging, more than interested, more than advisory. He took a generous step to see those seeds succeed. Conversations we had about God, family and business will stay with me forever. Mr. Baker will be missed and his memory will be honored.

Rev. Red Patterson

Becky Capps Moder

September 4, 2009

Our family frequented Bakers for many many years when I was growing up in Phoenix. Jim was always so kind to me and I was one of the little girls, later a teen, that was given special treatment from him. Our yard was always beautiful thanks to Jim Baker.
May your family be blessed with peace during this tough time.

Becky Capps Moder

Jackie Reed

September 4, 2009

I wish to extend my condolences to the Baker family on their loss of a truly wonderful man. I remember with fondness the many times over the years that Mr. Baker explained how to care for plants that I was purchasing, and his kindness to my children.

Jim Baker encouraged me to join the Master Gardeners (1985-1991), which I really enjoyed. Again, my condolences to the Baker family in your loss.

Renee Walter

September 3, 2009

In the nursery business you’ve got to know a lot about nurturing, caring, passing on and the cycle of life, and there was no one better than James Baker. And he did that not just with the plants but with everyone who stepped onto the Baker Nursery land. From the newbies to Arizona to Master Gardeners, each and every visitor knew he would give them the same care and attention he gave to everything that grew in his care, and we all benefitted, especially from his smiles.
When my husband and I first came to Phoenix from San Diego we were naïve and completely innocent to the plant life at our new home. And, with every visit to the Nursery we sought Mr. Baker’s words of wisdom and knew that we would grow too. My husband passed away too soon, but even in August I enjoy the yard we grew together, our own Desert Botanical Garden, all touched by the green thumb of a treasured man.
Mr. Baker left a wonderful legacy all over the Valley, and with many people. I join his family and fellow garden enthusiasts everywhere in noting his passing with my own celebration of his life and legacy. A good man has passed.
Renee Walter

Ken Roberts

September 2, 2009

Mr. Bakers' smile and love of plants and flowers will be missed by many people. He was a true gentleman.

Mary Gabbard

September 2, 2009

I will always remember Mr. Baker for his wonderful nursery and his great customer service and expertise in gardening. Also, his golf cart rides through the large beautiful nursery discussing what kind of tree I needed, how to graft, etc. Baker Nursery is a landmark in Phoenix, built by a hardworking family and great employees. I know you girls will miss him greatly! My condolences to you all. May God comfort you during this time of loss.

Jim

September 2, 2009

It has been an honor to have known you, and to be a part of your nursery family. You will be missed.

Joy

September 2, 2009

Thanks for paving the way for me and allowing me to follow in your footsteps. My job is easier because of the great respect people had for you. I am honored to have known you.

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