Dr. James Delmer Baker Jr.

1914 - 2008

BORN

1914

DIED

2008

James Baker Obituary

James Delmer Baker, Jr., MD, FAAFP of Lodi passed away on January 11, 2008 at the age of 93. Dr. Baker was born in Mountain View, California on June 28, 1914 to James Delmer Baker, Sr., born in Oakland, California and Annie E. (Owens) Baker, born in Decatur, Texas.
He was a Baptized Member in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1921, at age 7, he accompanied his parents to Portuguese Angola to pioneer church work where his parents established the Bongo (Baker) Mission, near Lepi, Longonjo, Angola. He lived in South and West Africa to the age of 20, having become fluent in the Portuguese and French languages. He was home-schooled in Angola, Africa and went on to Helderberg College in South Africa. He returned to the United States, earning his B.A. at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California. He graduated in 1942 from the College of Medical Evangelists (Loma Linda University), interning at Orange County Medical Center in 1942, and completing his residency in 1943 at Kern County General Hospital.
On October 12, 1939, he married Arta Luella Bietz in Loma Linda, California. Mrs. Baker was an RN who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, daughter of Gottlieb and Frederika (Otto) Bietz. During World War II, Dr. Baker served in the United States Army, as a Regimental Surgeon. He entered the service August 16, 1943, commissioned 1st Lieutenant, then promoted to Captain and Major. He was attached to the United States Army's 158th Infantry Regimental Combat Team, "Bushmasters", serving in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Silver Star. He was Honorably Discharged on January 30, 1946. He then began General Medical Practice (Family Physician) in Stockton, California. He had staff privileges at St. Joseph's, Dameron, San Joaquin General and Lodi Memorial Hospitals. In 1950 he served as President of San Joaquin-Calaveras-Tuolumne Chapter, Academy of General Practice; in 1951, President of California Academy of General Practice; 1952, Chairman, OB-GYN Committee, St. Joseph's and Dameron Hospitals; 1954, President, San Joaquin County Medical Society; 1964 - January, 1980, Trustee San Joaquin Local Health District. Dr. Baker was a Charter Fellow, American Academy of Family Practice, Charter Member, Macpherson Society, Loma Linda School of Medicine; Founder, National Association of Adventists Doctors and Dentists; Member and Elder of the Stockton and Lodi Fairmont Seventh -day Adventist Church; member of the Stockton Golf and Country Club and member of the American Legion, Post # 22 in Lodi.
He enjoyed owning an 18' 1956 Century Resorter water ski boat; summers, water skiing on the Delta, Lake Tahoe and Lake Shasta; winters, snow skiing at Squaw Valley, Mammoth, Yosemite, Aspen and Mt. Bachelor and year-round golfing with good friends at Stockton Golf and Country Club, Pebble Beach, Sun River and Hawaii.
Above all he will best be remembered for his cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his tender loving care and attention of his beloved wife, following her life-changing accident; his church, Sabbath morning classes and story telling; Alumni Homecomings and class reunions; family reunions and visiting family in their homes; Summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas family times; his extensive knowledge of the Bible; his wonderful wisdom and sage advice and his dedicated work as a physician.
Dr. Baker is survived by his sons, Ken Baker (wife, Kathleen Layland) of Chico, California; Bob Baker of Lodi and Fred (wife, Camy Keszler) of Lodi; grandchildren, Jason Baker (wife, Holly), Jacqueline Bass (husband, Sam), Jennifer Ewert (husband, Ron), Olsa Hahn (husband, John), Nikki Farris (husband, Michael), Tyler Baker (wife, Rachel) and Jonathan Baker; great-grandchildren, Collin, Hayden, Taylor, Keenan, Alexandra, Jake, Corianne, Ryan, Tanja Nichole, Grace, Ella, Cale and Clare.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arta Luella (Bietz) Baker on April 19, 2003; son, James Delmer Baker, III on November 25, 2005, sister, Ethel Horton; parents, James Delmer, Sr. and Annie E. Baker and grandparents, Gershon A. and Ruth (Ward) Baker.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sunday, January 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall, Fairmont Seventy-day Adventist Church in Lodi. Committal will be private at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Jan. 17 to Jan. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Baker

12 Entries

Fred Baker

February 3, 2008

I wish to thank all of you who remembered our father and our family in your thoughts, messages, prayers, and with flowers. Our best to you all.

Sally Cain

January 28, 2008

Dr. Baker was my doctor for many years. Whenever I went to see him we would always discuss the book I was currently reading. I loved him because he always took a personal interest in my family. Once when I gained a little weight he chastised me saying do you want to be a garbage can? Throw that piece of cake away, don't eat it! I will always remember him as being a wonderful human being.

Marcel & Bonnie Grondahl

January 21, 2008

Dr. Baker was a member of my Sabbath School class for many years. He was an avid student of the Bible. Whenever we wanted the "last word" on a subject we would turn to Dr. Baker. His memory was extensive, he had a story for each occasion. He was our Patriarch who not only knew the Bible but lived it. His example will not be forgotten. He was a genuine hero, his stories of WW II are the stuff legends are made of except in his case they were all true. His regard for his family, especially the care of his beloved wife for years, was exactly what the Bible tells us to do, but he did it in a loving caring way for years. Our memory of James Baker is strong and vibrant. We will miss him, he truly was a Christian Gentleman.

Robert Lilienstein

January 20, 2008

It was my privilege to provide anesthesia care for many of Dr.Baker's surgical cases over a thirty four year period ending with my retirement in 1996 although Jim may have retired somewhat earlier. Thereafter I enjoyed seeing him at continuing medical education and medical society events.
We will all miss his genial presence, sage counsel and ethical insights.
By his presence he made the world a better place.

Jule' Kellogg

January 20, 2008

Dr. Baker will always be rembered with fond memories by me. He helped me get through very difficult times. He was concerned with both body ans spirit and was a good friend as well as a wonderful doctor. He will be missed.

Victoria Coffey

January 19, 2008

My condolences to the Baker family. Dr. became our family physician in 1955 here in Stockton on California Street.My parents were Eddie and Frances Romero. Dr. delivered me in 1956 and my brother in 1961. I have memories of him in his white uniform top and his black frame glasses. He was always so kind and even made house calls in the middle of the night when I was sick. He had the softest hands ever. The last time I visited his office was in 1972 when he pierced my ears for me. He jokingly said to me "What does your father think about putting 2 holes in your head?" I responded that he didn't mind, "Oh I'll have to talk to him about that!". When the face of medical care started to change, we did not get to see him for awhile. Once we had medical insurance, we contacted the office which had moved to Walnut Street by then, but the receptionist stated that he was not accepting new patients. We were very sad that we could not go back to him and have him as our doctor. Our family always wondered what happened to Dr. Baker. He gave us the best care and we will never forget him or his nurse Miss Ames. God Bless You Dr. Baker, we are lucky to have had you in our lives!

Bill Pallesen

January 19, 2008

Dr. Baker was a long time friend of my family. Dr's. V.W. Pallesen & Mamie G.Pallesen. Also a good friend of Helga King and family.
Jim, You will be missed by all.

Bob Romans

January 19, 2008

Dr. Baker was a classmate in medical school of my father, Carl F. Romans, M.D. He was also my doctor in the early '70's, and truly a wonderful man and doctor! He was a GIANT among the local medical fraternity, and will be remembered forever!

Sarah Henderson

January 18, 2008

Dr Baker was my doctor. I had him with my first child. He was a very gentle and caring doctor. I have never forgotton how amazing he was. I had a very hard time, but he was there for me. Sorry to hear of your loss. Sarah Henderson (Ambrose)formaly from Stockton

Dawn Tibbetts (Haskins)

January 17, 2008

Dr. Baker Delivered my brother Gary and I. I am now 52 years old. I still remember going to his office when I was a child. He was a wonderful man. I will never forget him. He was my Mother's Doctor untill he retired. Mother Melva Gass (Haskins)

January 17, 2008

I remember Dr. Baker tending to my mother at our home in Stockton long ago. That's nostalgic, doctors making housecalls. Thank you, Dr. Baker. Ken, San Jose, Ca.

Beth Ritenour (Romans)

January 17, 2008

Dr. Baker was my doctor when I was a child in Stockton. I remember him with great fondness. I am sorry for your loss.

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