James Baker

James K. Baker, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant. According to his wishes, Mr. Baker's body will be cremated. The family will greet friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary with the Reverend Herb Shafer officiating. A flag will be presented by the Henry County Honor Guard. Inurnment will be held in the Oakland Mills Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the First United Methodist Church and Great River Hospice. Born December 5, 1925 in Mount Union, Iowa, James Kenneth was the son of William J. and Ethel (Taylor) Baker. He graduated from Mount Pleasant Community High School in 1944. He served in United States Navy during World War II, earning two bronze stars and participated in the Philippine Liberation and the Okinawa Campaigns. On August 27, 1948, he was married to Marion Ruth Morgan in Maywood, Illinois. The couple then moved to Mount Pleasant where they resided. He was employed by General Electric for 27 years. After his retirement, the Bakers spent their winters in Florida and enjoyed traveling around the country and to Europe. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. He enjoyed following the Cubs, the Hawkeyes and spending time with his wife, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include two sons, James K Baker, Jr. and his wife Karen of Ankeny, IA, and Michael M. Baker and his wife Barbara of Ottumwa, IA; one daughter, Jill Killion and her husband Rick of Council Bluffs, IA; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, John W. Baker and his wife Connie of Mount Pleasant, IA and two sisters, Janice Hummel and her husband Richard of Surprise, AZ and Joyce Walters and her husband Robert of San Luis Obispo, CA along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.