James Turk Baker Jr.

Mr. Baker passed peacefully at his family home “Turk Hall” on March 19, 2025 four days short of his 92nd birthday. He was a Nashville native and the eldest son of James Turk Baker, Sr. and Lillian Whitmore Baker. He is preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother Gene Arvin Baker, Sr. He is survived by his brother Ronald Wayne Baker (Judy), two nieces including Beth Baker, three nephews Lee Baker (Beverly), Gene Arvin Baker, Jr. (Roxanne) and Ward Ashley Baker (Jennifer), who was like a son to Jim, and his great niece Lillian Elizabeth “Lilly”. Jim was an alumnus of Lipscomb High School and Lipscomb University. Mr. Baker began his career with Ford Motor, Co. and ran the Ford Mercury dealership in Russellville, Kentucky. Abiding by his deep love for Nashville and homes, he moved back to his hometown in 1974 and he became a realtor with Real Estate Investments. He was a member of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, of which he was an early-life member of the Million Dollar Sales Club. He continued to manage rental properties and sell properties until his death. He was an active member of the Green Hills Church of Christ and a long-time member of the West End Church of Christ where he served as the head greeter for many years and was dubbed by Elders of the church as the face of the congregation. He served as the head of the Keenagers, the fifty-five and older group. Mr. Baker had an affinity for horses and enjoyed collecting horse accessories along with antiques.

The quintessential Southern Gentlemen Jim embraced life and was a friend to all. He found joy in the simple pleasures—cheering on his favorite team, sharing stories about his beloved hometown, and spending time with those he cared for most. Jim’s spirit, laughter, and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those he touched.

His remains are at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, where his family will receive friends from 2-5 pm on Sunday, March 23rd. Funeral Services will be conducted at the Green Hills Church of Christ on his birthday, Monday, March 24th at 10 am. Internment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, in his family’s plot where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved mother.

Memorials may be made to Green Hills Church of Christ or Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, 420 Allied Drive, Nashville, TN 37211.