Services for James Richard Baker MD, 59, Lawrence, will be 11 am Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.
Dr. Baker died Saturday, December 21, 2019, surrounded by family at his home.
He was born October 26, 1960, in Minneola, Kansas, the son of Robert Milton and Charlotte Anna Drowatzky Baker. He graduated from the University of Kansas earning a doctorate in Medicine.
Dr. Baker worked as a Family Practice physician and pharmacist. He enjoyed shotgun shooting, reading about WWII, modeling, fireworks and the 4th of July, and helping people as their doctor. He was a member of the 1980 United States Olympic Shotgun Team, Acacia Fraternity, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.
He married Penne Jo McGriff on May 17, 1983, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include, children, Matthew Baker and wife Ali of Detroit, Michigan, Summer Workman and husband Brian of Denver, Colorado, Sam Baker and wife Catarine of Houston, Texas, Andrew Baker of Kansas City, Kansas; brother, William Baker and wife Kay of Texas; sister, Kristin Wilson and husband Stanley of Arizona; grandchildren, Alex, Sadie, Fiona, Collyns, Liam, Miles, and Jace.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call from 12pm to 8pm Thursday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 5-7pm Thursday.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the MS Society, LDS Humanitarian Fund, and Visiting Nurses, sent in care of the funeral home.
I went to school with Jim in Ashland. What I remember of him was his drawings from the Mad Magazine, I may still have one. My father also shot with his dad and so we were always at trap shoots together. I hate trapshooting to this day but I remember Jim was good at it. My thoughts and prayers are with you, sorry for your loss.
Penne and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve said many prayers and will continue them. I hope that you can feel peace and love that is surrounding you.
With all of our hearts, Michael and I send our prayers and love to you all. God bless and keep you.
Penny & Family
❤️Our thoughts and prayers are with you to comfort you at this time of the year !? We are very sorry for your loss! We are glad to know your lovely and humble family.?thank you for your examples!❤️?
Jim literally saved my life. I was very sick and the doctor’s I had seen didn’t know what I had going on. Jim came over one evening after work and said I needed to get to the ER. He told us to not let them send me home that my Gallbladder was infected and if the stones perfurated the gallbladder, I would be dead. The ER doctor wanted a surgical consult and the surgeon wasn’t real happy. As it turned out, Jim was spot on and the gallbladder was indeed infected and a gallstone was within minutes of perfurating out. We want you to know that we are saddened at hearing Jim’s death. However, we also know that because we are saddened, it does not mean that those that are awaiting our return are. We know that life and death are intertwined and but moments apart. Jim will be missed by all who know him. However, many are rejoicing at his arrival on the other side. Rest in Love our friend…until we meet again!! Brent, Shauna and Jarris Garner
Penne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
We knew Jim from our time living in Lawrence. We worked together in the youth program of our church. He had a great sense of humor telling many stories that entertained everyone. Sending our love to the family.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Penne and family. Rest assured he will be free of his affliction and waiting patiently for his loving wife and faithful caretaker. May G May
Jim and Penne were good friends while we lived in Lawrence. They both had pleasant outgoing personalities that complimented each other. Jim and I served together in the bishopric of the Lawrence !st Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I learned a lot from his leadership skills. I remember Jim for his quick smile and humor.
Penne, sending love to you and your family.
Penne and Family. My condolences to all of you. You are in my prayers and in my heart. Such a sad time and yet also a time to rejoice!! I am sure that Jerry was there to welcome Jim. What a wonderful reunion!!! I love you and I will see you on Thursday and Friday.