James Alvin “Jim” Baker, 72, of Ryderwood, Wash., passed away Dec. 23, 2019. He was born March 7, 1947, to James and Alvina (Zindler) Baker.
Jim grew up in Bozeman, Mont., and graduated from Belgrade High School. He served in the United States Navy as a SKC Chief Petty Officer and was stationed in Montana, California, Australia, Illinois, Florida, Ohio and Hawaii and retired in Oklahoma in 1986, receiving an honorable discharge. Jim enjoyed sharing his many journeys with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed tinkering with things for hours, loved going to estate sales, cooking, being with his pets, gardening and working in his flower bed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Darla; children, Jamie Baker, Tammy (Glade) Young, Marcy (Billy) Hiatt and Melissa (Brent) McAlester; stepdaughter, Natasha (Raymond) Herbst; 23 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deloris Welch; brother, Richard “Dick” Baker; and stepson, Chris Hanke.
