J.W. Baker

James William "J.W." Baker, 89, of Jackson passed away Monday, July 28, 2014, at his home.

He was born July 24, 1925, in Marble Hill, Missouri, son of William "Emro" and Daisy Mae Wilkinson Baker. He and Wanda Mae Mouser were married Dec. 16, 1944, in Jackson. She passed away Nov. 30, 2013.

J.W. graduated from Jackson High School in 1943.

He was inducted into the United States Navy in 1944, and was honorably discharged that same year.

J.W. began a career as a petroleum agent for Standard Oil Co. in 1945, working in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, and Perry counties until he retired in 1975. He enjoyed raising Beefmaster cattle on his farm near Jackson.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Diane Walther and husband Ron Kuccera; a grandson, Travis (Jana) Walther; and a great-granddaughter, Addysen Walther, all of Jackson.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrell M. Baker and Dale E. Baker.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the church or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.