John David Baker

1955 - 2025

John David Baker

July 5, 1955 - February 2, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - John David Baker, a lifelong Columbia resident, devoted philanthropist, and visionary leader in business and community service, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 69 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. His life was defined by an unwavering commitment to family, faith, and the city he loved. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, generosity, and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on July 5, 1955, John was the son of JoAnn and David Baker and one of five siblings. He attended the University of South Florida before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from the University of South Carolina in 1977. Following in his father's footsteps, John spent over four decades shaping Columbia's landscape as a Managing Partner of Baker Commercial Properties (formerly Baker & Baker), where he played a pivotal role in the city's economic and commercial development until his retirement in 2021.

John's true passion, however, was giving back. His commitment to philanthropy started early; in high school, he started volunteering for the March of Dimes and served as Teenage Chair for the Richland County chapter. What began as collecting donations on Columbia street corners evolved into a lifetime of leadership, earning him the Elaine Whitelaw Volunteer Service Award in 2005, the highest honor bestowed by the March of Dimes.

John was a driving force behind major initiatives in education, literacy, healthcare, and Jewish causes. He served two terms as Chairman of the Richland County Public Library Board of Trustees, and following his tenure, RCPL was named Library of the Year (2001) by the American Library Association. In 1999, he founded Step Into Reading, a statewide effort that provided more than 250,000 books to children in need, and he was deeply involved with the Richland County Public Library Foundation, the Richland School District Two Foundation, and the Forest Lake Educational Foundation.

His humanitarian efforts extended through his work with United Way of the Midlands, where he served as Chairman in 2003 and was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2011 for his leadership in early childhood education. He was also involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association.

John's civic engagement in Columbia included leadership roles with the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, the Township Auditorium Board of Trustees, the Federation Center of the Blind, the South Carolina Council on Economic Education, the Columbia Action Council, Columbia Jaycees, Columbia Sertoma Club, and the Central Carolina Community Foundation Board.

John's efforts were recognized with South Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto in 2002.

His advocacy for Israel was equally significant. He served on the National Campaign Cabinet for Israel Bonds, leading South Carolina's first-ever $10 million Israel bond purchase in 2002 and securing millions more in subsequent years. John was honored with the Ben Gurion Award (2002) and Yitzhak Rabin Award (2018) from Israel Bonds. He also served on the National Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

John was a pillar of Columbia's Jewish community, serving as President of Tree of Life Congregation, an active member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, and an early supporter of Chabad of South Carolina and the Columbia Jewish Day School. He served as Columbia Community Co-Chair of the Jewish National Fund and was active in Jewish Federations of North America.

Anyone who met John knew that his love of baseball and jazz music were as much a part of him as his philanthropic work. In the mid-1980's, he helped organize the annual trip by the Atlanta Braves Caravan where players would visit children in area hospitals and raise money for local charities. A devoted Braves fan and avid collector of baseball memorabilia, he was a longtime supporter of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, where a donated portrait of his dear friend, Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, remains on display. His passion for jazz music led him to become a radio DJ later in life, hosting "Jazz in the City with John Baker" on 92.1 FM, where he shared his deep knowledge and appreciation for the genre with listeners across the Midlands.

In 2006, John was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, yet he never let it diminish his spirit, humor, or generosity. He continued working, mentoring, and giving back, inspiring all who knew him with his resilience.

John is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marcie Stern Baker, and their daughter, Gabbi Baker, of New York. He is also survived by his siblings Kenny Baker (Sharon), Frank Baker (Melanie), and Dale Baker, his sister- and brother-in-law Beryle and Pierre Jaffe, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, JoAnn and David Baker, and his sister, Debbie Brookshire.

John's family wishes to express their deep gratitude to his longtime caregivers: John House, Leonard Bailey, Marvin Goodly, Darian Moorer, Chuck Baltimore, and John Hartley, whose unwavering support brought him comfort and dignity in his final years.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held at Beth Shalom Synagogue (5827 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206) on Tuesday, February 4, at 2:00 p.m., with burial following at Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way of the Midlands, Beth Shalom Synagogue, or Chabad of South Carolina.

John's impact on Columbia and beyond will be felt for generations; not only in the buildings he developed, the institutions he supported, and the programs he helped build, but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of giving back.