James Edward Baker

James Edward Baker, 71, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Jonesboro and McDonough, Georgia, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. His passing followed a week-long bedside vigil surrounded by love and devotion from his beloved wife, Delighter; daughter, D'Neille; grandsons, Tyler, Shemar, and Trenton; granddaughters, Alexis and Kierstin; brother-in-law, Ranell "Dook" Fanguy, Sr.; sister-in-law Christina Sherman; niece, Ashlee Sherman; cousin Demetria B. Maryland; nephew, Rev. Brandon A. Smith; and Rev. Kelvin Owens. He was lovingly supported through virtual connections with his daughter Jordan and son-in-law Ewaul Persaud.

James was a veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Army, then went into law enforcement with over 30 years of service between East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office and Fulton County Sheriff's Office, eventually retiring as a Captain from Fulton County Sheriff's Office. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was a member of Gloryland Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA until his move to Georgia, where he became a member of the Dixon Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA, remaining grounded in his faith throughout his life.

James Edward Baker leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Delighter Torrey Baker of McDonough, GA; two daughters, D'Neille Ellis of McDonough, GA, and Jordan (Ewaul) Persaud of Tysons, VA; one sister, Dorothy (Leo) Perkins of Baton Rouge, LA; two sisters-in-law, Iris Baker of Baton Rouge, LA, and Christina (Eric) Sherman of Houston, TX; one brother-in-law, Ranell "Dook" Fanguy of Houma, LA; four grandchildren, Tyler Ellis of Baton Rouge, LA, Alexis Ellis, Shemar (Kierstin) Heard, and Trenton Heard, all of McDonough, GA; five nieces, Patrice (Roy) Aron of Ethel, LA, Dawn (Reginald) Gray of Baton Rouge, LA, Ashlee Sherman of San Diego, CA, Jernell Fanguy of Houma, LA, and Chavonne Thomas of Fredericksburg, VA; six nephews, Lee (Nikki) Wesley Jr. of Shepherd, TX; Donavan (Victoria) Baker of Zachary, LA, Pierre McGill Williams of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Sherman of Houston, TX, Ranell Lee Fanguy, Jr. of Houma, LA, and Shaun Thomas of Terre Haute, IN; three aunts, Mary B. Nixon, Dolores B. Johnson, and Josephine T. Bonvillain all of Houma. LA; two uncles, James Bonvillain, Sr., and Nilo Johnson Sr. all of Houma, LA; godfather, Johnny Lovett of Antelope, CA; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Frank Baker Sr. and Corine Robinson Baker; one sister, Josie Marie Wesley; two brothers, Frank Baker, Jr. and Alvin Baker; nephew, Donnell Baker; father-in-law, Elmer Torrey Sr.; mother-in-law, Leola Bonvillain Torrey; sister-in-law, Annette Marie Torrey; and brother-in-law, Elmer Torrey, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA at 10:00am until the funeral services beginning at 11:00am, Pastor Grant Bonvillain, officiating. Interment: Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, LA. Services Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Services

Funeral Service

Jan
9

Hall Davis and Son Funeral Service | Louisiana

9348 Scenic Hwy

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Get Directions

Funeral Service

Jan
9

Hall Davis and Son Funeral Service | Louisiana

9348 Scenic Hwy

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

11:00 AM
Get Directions