James Chamness Baker was born in Wichita, Kansas December 29, 1946, the son of Billy and Barbara (Chamness) Baker. Jim grew up in Wichita and graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1964 where he played basketball and baseball.
Jim served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1971.
He enjoyed playing and watching golf, watching college basketball specifically the Wichita State Shockers and other Kansas schools. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, trivia and conversation. He loved time spent with his family, extended family and many friends. He was a caring and understanding father and a doting grandpa. All those that knew him, loved him and will miss him dearly.
Preceding Jim in death is his parents Billy and Barbara Baker, and one brother Bill Baker.
Surviving family members include his children Christopher and his wife Linda, Matthew, Michael and his wife Kim, Jeffrey and his wife Wendy, Brian, Gregory, Shawn Cook, Dawn Betchol and her husband Marc, Rachel Cook, Michelle Mabe and her husband Andy, and Brandy Tofel and her husband Zach. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Vaughan and her husband Vic, and Kasey Baker. He is also survived by 21 loving grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nephews and a niece.
