James (Jim) Lewis Baker, 88, longtime resident of Huntsville, AL passed away April 30, 2024. He was born February 9, 1936 in Tonganoxie, KS where he graduated high school. He received an Aerospace Engineering degree from the University of Kansas and began his career working on SR-71 Blackbird engines in West Palm Beach, FL. The Space Program took him to Huntsville, AL where he lived for 61 years working from the Apollo Program to the Space Shuttle and many projects between. He enjoyed an active retirement with his wife of 55 years Virginia (Ginger) Gilliland Baker until her passing in 2011.
He is survived by his longtime companion Ruth (Beezie) Lindsey; three daughters, Vicki (Rick) Ryan, Kelly Baker, and Kathy (Bob) Brockway; a sister Joyce (Vic) Copeland; four grandchildren, Jamie, Sarah, Aaron and BJ Ryan; seven great grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.