Jim Baker

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jim D. Baker, 71, of Sikeston died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Cape Girardeau, son of Bennie and Della Duncan Baker. He and Marilyn Andrews were married Dec. 29, 1951.

Baker was an estimate assigner with Southwestern Bell prior to retiring. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, and Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114.

He was currently quartermaster of the VFW Post, and serving on Sikeston Traffic Committee and the United Way board. He was a past district commander of the VFW, and had served on Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Center board.

Baker served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jeff Baker of Cape Girardeau, Todd Baker of Sikeston; a daughter, Sherry Fitzgerald of Sikeston; six grandsons; and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister.

Friends may call at Ponder Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. The Revs. Bill Koch and Sandra Schaller will officiate. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors.