Reverend Doctor James A. "Jim" Baker

Reverend Doctor James A. Baker (Jim), of Pittston, PA, a devoted servant of God, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on April 6, 2025. Born on September 4, 1935, in Kingsley, PA, to Medford and Alice Baker. He also is predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Wilmarth. James leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by his four children: Michael Baker (Debby) of Livonia, NY; Rene Hallock (Chip) of Bloomingdale, NJ; Cheryl Cerdan (Juan) of Marlton, NJ; and Scott Baker (Jan) of Madison Heights, VA. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a beloved great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren.

James grew up on a dairy farm, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and community.

Answering his call to ministry, Jim pursued his theological education at Barrington College in Barrington, RI, and later at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, graduating in 1963. His deep commitment to spreading the Word of God and serving others led him to a lifelong career in ministry.

In June of 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Baker, and together they built a life centered on faith, love, and family. As a United Methodist Pastor, James faithfully served various congregations throughout the Wyoming Conference.

In 1993, James was called to serve as the Superintendent of the Wilkes-Barre District, a role he fulfilled with wisdom and grace until his retirement in 2000, when he and Yvonne moved to Dallas, PA.

In retirement, he took up woodworking and became known for his clock creations and whirly-gigs. He and Yvonne shared a love of travel.

In 2012, Jim and Yvonne moved to Wesley Village. They enjoyed several years there, made many memories, and cherished the people who provided such loving care during Yvonne's illness.

James had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in teasing those he loved. He was also known for his love of pie and ice cream, waiting patiently every spring for the Curly Cream to open.

His kindness, wisdom, and devotion will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His life was a testament to faith, service, and love, and his memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

Family and friends are invited on Wednesday, April 9th from 4 to 7 PM at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, April 10th at Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague St., Kingston. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be held at Fern Knoll Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus.