James "Jim" A. Baker

James A. "Jim" Baker, 79, of Hennepin passed away on Thursday April 19, 2012 at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 17, 1933 in Normal, Illinois to Cecil E. and Zola E. (Good) Baker. He married Elisabeth Jane Stone May 1956 in Peoria. Jim graduated from University High School in Normal class of 1951 and he served in the United States Army. He was plant supervisor for Caterpillar in Morton and retired October 1987. Jim and Betty lived in Florida for 22 years before moving to Hennepin. He was a member of ATA (Amateur trapshooting Association) and was state champion. He was also an avid fisherman. Survivors are his wife Betty of Hennepin; one son, James C.(Susan) Baker of Saybrook, IL; three daughters, Cindy Ellen Baker of Bloomington, Marilyn E.Mehl of Naperville and Diana (Jim) Gibson of Hennepin; one brother, John Baker of Normal; three sisters, Betty Lockhart of Oregon, Sue Pollack of California and Ruth Lacoy of Oregon; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Grover Clark Baker and one sister, Amy Louise (Baker) Frye. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed to VITAS hospice, LaSalle. Pallbearers will be Steve Gibson, Ben Gibson, Bob Gibson, Jim Gibson, Travis Cornwall and Ron Sargent.

Service/Memorial Information

Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Shooting Park Road Baptist Church, Peru. Dysart - Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements. Pastor Gary Mckee will officiate the service. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in Rosewood Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Shooting Park Road Baptist Church.

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