James Baker Obituary

James Dennis Baker, Born July 23, 1945, was a lifelong resident of Mt. Vernon, Al exchanged this life for eternity on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 79 years old surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was a devoted Husband of 44 years to his deceased wife, Donnie Mae Baker who passed away September 3, 2011. He was also a loving and devoted Dad, granddad, great-granddad, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and a true pillar of the community. Mr. Baker Served with Distinction in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. After being Honorably Discharged he went to work at CIBA-GEIGY Chemical Plant where he was employed for 46 years. He was an avid Sports lover and he played baseball locally until the league ended. He also coached all his grandsons and most of his great-grandsons. He built batting cages and soccer goals for most of them to practice at home. Even though he was a "Girl Dad" he attended every sporting event they played when he was not working.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sis. Donnie Mae Baker, his parents Andrew and Ceola Baker, 2 brothers, William Baker, Sr. and Andrew Baker, Jr., 5 sisters, Eldora Norfleet, Cloria Ann Baker, Ouida Baker, Ruby Ridgeway, and Mary Nell Packer. One sister-in-law Sarah Mitchell McCray. his loving parents Andrew and Ceola Baker, 2 brothers, William Baker, Sr. and Andrew Baker, Jr., 5 sisters, Eldora Norfleet, Cloria Ann Baker, Ouida Baker, Ruby Ridgeway, and Mary Nell Packer. One sister-in-law Sarah Mitchell McCray.
He leaves to cherish his memories, 6 loving daughters, Jennifer (Robert Jr.) Whittaker, Satsuma, Al., Jacqueline (Carroll) Joshua, Columbus, Ga., Pastors Joyce (Andre') Lambert, Saraland, Al., Chriscynthia (Felix) Mose, Mobile, Al., Evangelist Bonita (James) Rogers, Gwendolyn (Roger) Pugh, both of Mt. Vernon, Al; One devoted bonus daughter, Associate Pastors Latranza (Derric) Burrell, Axis, Al. One loving and devoted sister, Ola Mae Roberson, Mt Vernon, Al.; 9 brothers-in-laws, Willard (Helen) Law, McIntosh, Al., Willie (Effie) Mitchell Jr., Grove Hill, Al., Walter (Gail) Mitchell, Pace, FL., Edward (Melinda) Mitchell., Ellenwood Ga., Johnnie (Levenes) Mitchell and Bernard (Tonya) Mitchell both of Montgomery, Al., Pastors Clifford (Hassie) Mitchell of Mt. Vernon, Al., Patrick (Tammy) Mitchel and Pastors Bobby (Terri) Mitchell both of Hammond, La; 4 sisters-in-laws, Deloris (Andy) Bush Cleveland, Oh., Olean Mitchell, Mary Pines, and Deborah Mitchell all of Hammond, La; 15 grand-children, 3 devoted, Tiffany McKennies, Christopher (India) Whittaker, Shaun Whittaker; 22 great-grandchildren, one devoted, Ja'Navyn Hawkins; and a host of other relatives and friends. 2 devoted Nephews, Joseph (Debra) Packer and Ronald (Angela) Baker. 3 devoted Nieces, Nola Boxley, Nora Daniels, and Freda Baker.
Visitation will be at Pine Grove Missionary Church in Mt. Vernon, Al on Saturday May 10, 2025 from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour. Dr. Jack Shaw Jr., Pastor and officiating minister. Interment will follow in the Morning Star Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Al. Special thanks to USA Mitchell Cancer Center doctors, nurses, and staff; USA Hospital doctors, nurses and staff; and SAADS Health Care employees. Arrangements are entrusted to the careful direction of Smalls Funeral Home, Mount Vernon Al.