Search by Name

Search by Name

James L. "Les" Baker Jr.

James Baker Obituary

BAKER, James L. Jr. "Les," passed away March 18, 2008, at his home in Tampa, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary; son, Jeff and wife, Sherry; daughter, Vicki and partner, Lisa; brother, Melvin and wife, Linda; and four grandchildren. A Tampa native, Les served in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained for his lifelong career as a dental technician, owning his own laboratory for more than 30 years. A dedicated husband, father, and "Pop Pop" to his grandchildren, he was a mechanically-inclined person, who was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Les also had a green thumb and loved working in the yard with his plants, where he spent many happy hours. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. March 21 at the funeral home. Graveside services will take place at 10 a.m. March 22, 2008, at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 N. U.S. Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to LifePath Hospice of Tampa. Swilley Funeral Home 1602 W. Waters Ave., Tampa (813) 932-6157

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Mar. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Baker

Not sure what to say?





Barb Altenhain

March 24, 2008

Vicki and her family,
Sending thoughts of love and peace
to you and your family during this difficult time. God bless.
Barb, St. Pete

Lori and Michael Capria

March 22, 2008

Dear Mary, Jeff, Vicki and family - This is such a time of transition. Sharing in your sorrow for this loss and your relief that Les is no longer in pain. Praying for you. Love, Lori and Michael Capria

Don and Nancy Tears

March 21, 2008

We know that your loss is monumental. But as Jesus, Les is Home.

Jesus Walked Among Us

He walked awhile among us
so that we might better see
the breadth of His compassion...
His love for you and me.

He walked awhile among us,
giving all He had to give,
to set us an example...
to teach us how to live.

He left His place in heaven,
His glory and His throne
and walked awhile among us
to show the way back home.

Our Sympathys are with you.

Kim Cimino

March 21, 2008

Mary, Jeff, Vicky and family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest sympathies and please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have many memories of talks with Les about everything from the plants and flowers in the back yard to cars. He will be missed.
Kim

Marie B. Bolin

March 21, 2008

With deepest sympathy. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy Benson

March 21, 2008

Mary, Vicki, Lisa, Jeff, Sherry and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Les and will always remember his love of feeding the animals at night outside of his home. They were very well fed I might add! My prayers are with you all during this time of loss and mourning and will always be with you. God Bless.

Father Christian Villagomeza

March 21, 2008

It has been a privilege to have known the Baker family in a short period of time; and yet seemed like they've been a long-time friends. Mary, I commend you of your patience, severity, love and care to your husband and to your 2 children. May God be your strength.
May he rest in peace.

Pete and Alicia Cimino

March 20, 2008

Mary, Jeff, Vicki and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May God and your memories bring you comfort.

Judy Noone

March 20, 2008

Vicki and family,
So sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers.

Ralph & Kathy (aka Cassie) Maddocks

March 20, 2008

Mary and family: You have been in our thoughts during this difficult time. I will remember Les as always being so quiet and easy-going.

Barbara Williams

March 20, 2008

A precious one from us is gone,
a voice we loved is stilled.
A place is vacant in the home,
that never can be filled.

God in His wisdom has recalled,
the one His Love had given.
All though his body slumbers here
his soul is safe in Heaven

He’s in a better place right now,
than he’s ever been before.
All pain is gone; he’s now at rest,
nothing troubles Les anymore.

It’s we who feel the burden of
our sadness and our grief.
We have to cry, to mourn our loss,
before we get relief.

Our hearts are reaching out to you,
for what you’re going through.
We’re thinking of you frequently
and praying for you, too.

We hope, from our hearts, that your pain will decrease,
that your spirit will gain strength again.
We pray that your faith will create inner peace,
and that God will send you and your family blessings--Amen

Your Friends,
Bob & Barbara Williams

Stadium Toyota

March 20, 2008

During this time of sorrow may you have:Peace to soothe you,Grace to hold you, Love to comfort you. With our sympathy.

Doris Coles

March 20, 2008

Mary, Jeff & Vicki: We are so sorry about your loss, but know he no longer is in pain. Our prayers are with you all. Aunt Irma was very fond of Les .
Doris, Mary-Louise and Bob Coles
Katheryn and family
Irma M. and family
Aunt Irma & Frank

B. Elaine (aka Sam) Jones

March 20, 2008

Mr. Baker was a quiet man but demonstrated great strength. He owned his own business and was always tinkering with something. But on race day you would find him in front of the TV. We did talk him into going to one Buc game but his favorite part of the game was the fly overs. Still honoring his wings from the air force. He was loved by many as was demonstrated at he and his wife Mary's 50th anniversary. It was packed! Many of them life long friends. Only special people have life long friends. Mr. Baker was one of those people and he will be missed and remembered by many who loved him.

Terri Lynn (Rogers) Juncal

March 20, 2008

My sincere and deepest sympathy to Mary and family. I will always remember Les as a very kind, patient and sincere family man. He will be greatly missed.

Kathy Oropallo

March 20, 2008

Vicki, Lisa and Family
Kathy & I are so very sorry for your loss, knowing the way you both embrace family it must be hard. But having happy memories that you were able to share with you DAD and the faith you have in GOD will help with the days to come.
Kathy & Jeannene

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in James Baker's name

Memorial Events
for James Baker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Baker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more