Jim would have agreed with Winston Churchill’s statement “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. Always generous with his time, whether it be for family or a stranger, he was always there to lend a hand. During his 35 years with the Masonville Fire Company he was often the first to arrive when the whistle blew. Even long after his own kids had grown, his weekends still revolved around coaching little league and football. And should his kids need anything, they merely needed to ask. From the days when he installed the swimming pool and basketball net in the backyard to when he would be there in a flash to oversee home improvements, there was never a time when he was unavailable. Even in the years after he left Mt. laurel for Florida, the boat he owned served more to entertain others than himself. One may be hard pressed to find a prouder grandparent. To ask Jim, his grandson, Logan, was Wayne Gretzky, Shaq and Joe DiMaggio wrapped into one. But when Jim had some time to spare, he could usually be found suffering with the Eagles and Phillies or fighting the one-armed bandits in Atlantic City.rn In 1951 Jim was fortunate enough to be set up on a blind date with a young woman named Elizabeth (nee Simpkins). By 1954 they’d begun their 55 year marriage. Their lives were blessed by their children James, Jr. (Susanne) of Williamstown and Susan Baker-Batsford (Eric) of Fl, and again by their grandson Logan Batsford. Jim is also survived by his brother John (Ruth) of Rancocas as well as many nieces and nephews. rn Come celebrate 79 generous years Wednesday 6-8:30 PM and Thursday from 10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will follow at 11. Interment BGWD Veteran’s Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Vitas Hospice 16800 NW 2nd Ave., Suite 400 N. Miami Beach, FL. 33169.rn
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OUR DEEPEST SYMATHY GOES OUT TO THE BAKER FAMILY.rnAS FRIENDS OF JIM JR. AND SUSANNE WE HAVE HEARD MANY GOOD STORIES ABOUT HOW KIND JIM’S DAD WAS.rnWE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN IN HIS COMPANY A FEW TIMES WHEN THEY STILL LIVED IN N.J.rnANYONE WHO WAS EVER AROUND JIM’S DAD IN HIS 79 YRS. HERE ON EARTH WERE VERY LUCKY.rnSINCERELY,rnCONNIE AND BOB HOODrnP O BOX 489rnST. MICHAELS, MD. 21663
I can’t think of a better gift that a parent can give a child than love and laughter. Your Dad was everything a father should be! I’m so sorry for your loss but I know you’ll carry on his legacy and his joy will live forever!
Dear Liz, I was so shocked and saddened to read this morning of Jim’s passing. The last we spoke he was doing well. So much time passes before we realize it. I am so very,very sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You and your Family. He was a great man, husband and dad. I will keep in touch. Love to you Liz.
Love you Uncle Jim. We’ll miss you. n”Meow, Where’s that cat?”
My dear sister, I am so sorry about Jim, you have your children and grandson and your sisters to help your with your grief. If you need me,please call. With deepest sympathy. Judy & Richard
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Baker family. Although we did not know James Sr. all that well ,we did just have the pleasure of seeing him over the summer, he was a very sweet and humble man. I know he will be missed very much but he left his family with wonderful memories.
I would just like to share my condolences to Jim’s wife Liz, and his family. Sorry I can’t be there in your time of sorrow. I do have some fond memories of playing softball and fighting fires along side of Jim.nnJeff Shinn “Shinny”
Remembered, many years of Jim’s Hard work for the kids in Rancocas Woods. Always had a smile for you. It was a pleasure Knowing LiZ and Jim
To the Baker family,nWe are honored to have known Jim and to have had him as a friend. Without him, we never would have won the bowling challenge that first year! Jim will be greatly missed, but we will continue to keep him in our hearts and to offer our support to all of you. nRhonda and Craig Brewer
Dear Liz, Sue, Ricky & Logan, Jimmy & Suzanne,rnrnIt was such a pleasure to have known Jim, a wonderfully caring husband, father & grandfather. I knew him but a short time, though felt like I had known him forever. A sweet soul who has, no doubt, left countless happy memories for all to cherish and take comfort in remembering.rnrnMuch love,rnZoe
Dear Jim and Family,rnrnI am so sorry for your loss. May your Dad rest in peace with his maker forever more, and may you meet him again someday in all of his glory.rnrnSincerely,rnKaren
Having moved from New Jersey over ten years ago, I just recently learned of Jim’s passing. I was a young rookie fireman in the “Masonville Fire Company” at the time Jim was a senior member,and an officer. He was a man that I always looked up to, and was able to count on whenever I needed to be “guided” in the right direction when it came to firefighting, or first aid. The thing I will always remember about him was his quick wit, and incredible sense of humor.
So sorry to hear of this loss. I would appreciate an address for Liz, since I have lost contact with her and Jim. I would like to send a note or card.rnI E Sharpe
Its been a year scence Mr Baker passed I loved him like a 2nd dad!! I know he is up there with my dad now talking about me and you Sue when we were growing up in Mt Laurel!!!GREAT TIMES will never forget him!