Robert James Baker, 86, of Salem, Oregon, peacefully passed away Wednesday, Septermber 27, 2017 at his place of residence at Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel. Bob was born in Escondido, California on November 27, 1930 and moved to Oregon with his family when he was 7, where he graduated from Salem High School (now North Salem High School). He worked in shipping and receiving for Newberry’s five and dime, first in Salem, and then in Portland until Newberry's closed. He continued working as a custodian at Salem Academy and then Salem First Baptist Church until he retired. Bob is the oldest of four children and is survived by his younger siblings, Bernard, Margaret, and David. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 3rd at Salem First Baptist Church, 395 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301.Arrangements under the direction of Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, Salem, Oregon.