John Wilson Baker III
December 16, 1956 - September 26, 2022
John Wilson Baker, 65 of Rio Grande, NJ passed away on September 26, 2022. He lived in the Wildwood area on and off for many years before settling in permanently in the late 1990s. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He also lived in South River, NJ before moving to Orlando, Florida. John was an artist from a young age while attending Our Lady of Charity school in Brookhaven, PA. The Sisters sensed his gift and encouraged him to create art throughout his years at the Catholic school. He credits them for opening up opportunities to the art world. His free spirit as a young child led the Sisters to calling him "Happy Go Lucky John."
John went on to be an accomplished artist. One of his most proudest collections was of rock stars that he painted for the Hard Rock Cafe chain of restaurants. He loved all types of music and was known for attending rock concerts including his all-time favorite band, Yes. Throughout the 70s he would hitchhike around the country, making one particular trip all the way to California, where he spent a summer living in Huntington Beach. In the 80s, he was building and designing concert stages for major recording groups like Guns and Roses, Gloria Estefan and ZZ Top. Later in the 90s, he worked at Disney World where he created murals and sculptures enjoyed by the many people who visited the resort.
He was loved by many throughout the Wildwood community and created artwork for businesses throughout Cape May County painting murals, buildings as well as doing handy work that he had a special knack for. He was known for riding his bicycle in his white painting clothes from job to job and was always happy to meet people wherever he went. His friendly smile and love for conversation with friends and strangers will be missed by many. His paintings and sculptures are a testament to his gift for art and his passion to make art wherever he was. He held his faith and love for the Blessed Mary, dear to him as he painted her in some of his most beautiful paintings.
John is survived by his beloved daughter, Rachel Baker Vasta of Florida and a brother Mark who resides in China. He also left behind his cat Bat Woman, whom he cherished, along with many friends who treasured his friendship and his willingness to lend a helping hand. He was predeceased by his mother and father John and Marie Baker.
A gathering of friends will be followed by a Mass at St. Ann's Church on Monday, October 24, 2022. Visiting hours will start at 10:00am at St Ann's Church, 2901 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260. A Funeral Mass for John will follow at 11:00am.