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Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune HomepageObituaries SectionSubmit an Obituary James Gilbert Baker Sr.
1932 - 2021
BORN
1932
DIED
2021
James Gilbert Baker Sr.
October 14, 1932 - January 20, 2021
James "Jimmie" Gilbert Baker Sr., 88, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, surrounded by family, at his home.
Born Oct. 14, 1932, he was the son of the late George Paxton Baker and Verlie Stanley Baker.
He was married to Ruby Mae Fisher Baker for 67 years and they were blessed with five children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. One of the most important things in his life was providing for his family. He was a wonderful man, admired by his children and grandchildren, and could often be heard telling stories of his life experiences. If you were blessed to hear one of these stories, you would always walk away a little wiser.
Jimmie worked in Cannon Mills for over 45 years. After retiring, he and Ruby would travel, going on many sightseeing trips all along the East Coast. One of his favorite places was the Amish country, which he visited many times. Jimmie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening with his family. He had several unique pieces of farm equipment and cared for a garden behind their home. Very often you could find him gathering cucumbers or green beans in the early mornings of summer. He showed enormous pride with the gardens he raised over the years, and always had an abundant supply of canned goods to share with family and friends. The record year was 2016, canning 250 quarts of their famous dill pickles. In the last few years, Jimmie enjoyed woodworking where he handmade beautiful picture frames from reclaimed wood. Each of his children and grandchildren will treasure this for years to come.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hilbert Baker, Tommy Baker, Glen Baker, George Baker and Billy Wayne Baker; his loving sisters, Nellie London, Irene Moore, Fran (Fanny) Burris, Polly Tate and Verlie Hunsucker; son-in-law, David Harless; and great-grandson, Cameron Morris.
Jimmie is survived by his children: son, James (Bud) G. Baker Jr. and wife, Patti, and Danny Baker and wife, Ginger; daughters, June Morris and husband, Tony, Judy Burris and Donna Harless; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nephews and nieces who have shown so much love and support during his life. His most loyal companion has been his dog, Dynamite, who has loved and protected him for the last 11 years.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Cabarrus County, especially his nurse, Brittany Kerley, for the compassionate care given to Jimmie and for the support given to the family.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis with his grandson, Pastor Jon Harless, delivering the homegoing service message. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
Whitley's Funeral Home
www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
October 14, 1932 - January 20, 2021
James "Jimmie" Gilbert Baker Sr., 88, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, surrounded by family, at his home.
Born Oct. 14, 1932, he was the son of the late George Paxton Baker and Verlie Stanley Baker.
He was married to Ruby Mae Fisher Baker for 67 years and they were blessed with five children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. One of the most important things in his life was providing for his family. He was a wonderful man, admired by his children and grandchildren, and could often be heard telling stories of his life experiences. If you were blessed to hear one of these stories, you would always walk away a little wiser.
Jimmie worked in Cannon Mills for over 45 years. After retiring, he and Ruby would travel, going on many sightseeing trips all along the East Coast. One of his favorite places was the Amish country, which he visited many times. Jimmie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening with his family. He had several unique pieces of farm equipment and cared for a garden behind their home. Very often you could find him gathering cucumbers or green beans in the early mornings of summer. He showed enormous pride with the gardens he raised over the years, and always had an abundant supply of canned goods to share with family and friends. The record year was 2016, canning 250 quarts of their famous dill pickles. In the last few years, Jimmie enjoyed woodworking where he handmade beautiful picture frames from reclaimed wood. Each of his children and grandchildren will treasure this for years to come.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hilbert Baker, Tommy Baker, Glen Baker, George Baker and Billy Wayne Baker; his loving sisters, Nellie London, Irene Moore, Fran (Fanny) Burris, Polly Tate and Verlie Hunsucker; son-in-law, David Harless; and great-grandson, Cameron Morris.
Jimmie is survived by his children: son, James (Bud) G. Baker Jr. and wife, Patti, and Danny Baker and wife, Ginger; daughters, June Morris and husband, Tony, Judy Burris and Donna Harless; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nephews and nieces who have shown so much love and support during his life. His most loyal companion has been his dog, Dynamite, who has loved and protected him for the last 11 years.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Cabarrus County, especially his nurse, Brittany Kerley, for the compassionate care given to Jimmie and for the support given to the family.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis with his grandson, Pastor Jon Harless, delivering the homegoing service message. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
Whitley's Funeral Home
www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune on Jan. 22, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
GUEST BOOK
1 Entry
My sympathy to the Baker family in this time of grief. Although I only had brief encounters with Mr. Baker, his dedication and love toward his late wife and his family was a testament that was well known and communicated by his children. May God´s blessings and grace comfort the family always.
A donation is made to Hospice of Cabarrus County in his remembrance.
Rick Shoemaker
January 23, 2021