Obituary of James S Baker

James Baker passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born on September 25, 1939, the youngest of 5, and spent his childhood in Owego, NY. He left high school early to support his family after his father was injured at the Endicott-Johnson shoe factory. Jim went to work as a farmhand for Peg and Bill Draper. He earned his GED and entered the US Air Force where he served for 4 years at bases in San Antonio, TX, Minot, ND, and Johnston Island. He worked for the Chesebro-Whitman Ladder Factory, and Agway, before starting his own HVAC business, JHC Heating. He also taught adult education classes at Boces. After he sold JHC, he spent 15 years as a Union-Endicott school bus driver, serving children with special needs. Jim lived a life of service to others. He was a volunteer EMT for Union-Endicott Emergency Squad, an usher captain and elected Board member of the Central United Methodist Church, a long-standing member of the Elks Club, winning "Elk of Year" in 2008, a member of Tractors of Yesteryear (TOYS), and Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Antique Tractor Club of the Southern Tier. Since 2008, the Tractor Club has planted and harvested over 200 tons of potatoes to donate to local food banks. Jim was a friend to many and will be dearly missed. His children have fond memories of playing cards with him, being a fierce rummy and Uno player. His generosity was known to many, except when playing at the Dominos table when his competitive spirit would shine. He loved through acts of service, especially when that included standing behind a BBQ grill and feeding people. Jim deeply loved his family, his friends, and this community. He gave more than he ever took and he left us with gifts that will continue to remind us of his presence. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Myrtle Baker, his first wife, Joan (Pipher) Baker, and his 4 siblings, Marion, Jane, Edward, and Charles. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Gow) Baker, his children, Jeffrey, Julie (David) Carter, and Jennifer, and his grandchildren, Samuel, Grace, and Ella. His step children, Elizabeth (Jeremiah) Newton, Andrew (Jennifer) Peters, Katherine (David) Cummiskey and step grandchildren Rachel, Josephine, Joceyln, Aaron, Brynn, and Margot. Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main St in Endicott. The Rev. Joe Wickman will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00. Interment will be at the Tioga Cemetery in Owego, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Mercy House in Endicott, NY.