James Dale Baker, 70, of Memphis, MO died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at his home.
James was born the first son of Floyd A. Baker and Helen R. (Cone) Baker. He was born in Kirksville, MO, on July 23, 1945 and was brought home to Memphis.
He graduated from Scotland County High School in 1963 as the class Vice President and Vice President of FFA. During his high school years he received several FFA honors, including his FFA State Farmer Degree. He also achieved the highest award by earning his FFA American Degree.
After high school he continued to work with his parents at Baker’s Firestone and started his farming career. He enjoyed riding horses, hunting, fishing, traveling, playing cards and bowling. In 1966, he and Phil Cone won the Doubles Bowling City Tournament.
He met Linda Picton on August 1, 1970 and they married 78 days later on October 17th at the New Harmony Church in Curryville, MO. Together they continued the farming tradition while raising their four children.
He loved God, his family, and farming. James knew how to celebate the little things in life, the big things in life and all things in between.
A heavy snowfall was celebrated with sledding parties and weenie roasts; new ponds were enjoyed with swimming and fishing.
Planting and harvesting of the fields would find his family taking turns riding in the tractors with him and often a meal brought there to be eaten in God’s country.
Sweet corn and green bean seasons found the family in the garage for days preparing food for the winter. Deer season had the door to the farmhouse revolving with family, guests, stories and adventures.
His family celebrated with him many birthdays, weddings, new babies, anniversaries, reunions and holidays often with fireworks and playing cards. Teaching and passing down traditions to his descendants often took place around the table or in his truck.
James was great at finding a reason to get together, and the family was kept close because of it! He will be forever cherished in their hearts and brought with into the future by stories that will be shared with the babies too young to remember or yet to arrive.
James was a member of the First Christian Church and was baptized with his wife and children in 1983. He held a social membership to the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial VFW Post #4958. He was a member of the NRA, the Scotland County FSA-County Committee Board and the Corn Growers Association.
James and Linda were married for over forty-five years. On his last day, for no apparent reason, he looked at her and said, “Linda, I would marry you all over again.” What a blessing they were to each other.
His family and many in the community will remember James for his great memory, knowledgeable advice and quick wit.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Francis Gurvis and Ina Mae Picton; a special mom, Lucille Cone; and his son-in-law, Andrew Clapp, who was married to Jamie.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Baker; his children, Missy (David) Smith of Memphis, Shelley (Bobby) Small of Memphis, Jamie (Josh) Thudium of Macon, and James Floyd (Joanie) Baker of Memphis; his grandchildren, Bryce, Austin Lee Dale and Carlee Smith, Lucinda (Gary) Perrilles, Bruce (Kendra) Small, Josie, Jessa and Jayli Cora Dale Thudium, and James Hugh Andrew and Layla Baker; his great grandchildren, Abrul, Alexa and Andrea Perrilles, Mason James Small and Baby Small coming soon; one brother, Floyd Cone (Conie) Baker, and many nephews, nieces and cousins, including Phil (Helen) Cone of Memphis.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends at the Scotland County Fitness Center. A private inurnment will follow at Trinity Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Cemetery.
10 comments
The more a person touches our lives, the harder it is for us to let them go. For this reason, we know that saying goodbye to James will be the hardest sorrow to bear. We hope that the wonderful memories you have and the family, love and friendship you have around you will help you through this time. Please know that you are not alone as you face this daunting path of grief and mourning.
Linda and family. We are so sorry hear of James Dale death. May God bless you and your family during this tough time. Will be thinking of you also. He will be missed by his many friends and We are glad we had him as our friend.
Betty and Junior
Keeping all your family in our thoughts and prayers with the loss of your loved one. May you cherish your memories of him. He will forever be with you.
So sorry to hear about James Dale. Just found out today. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry for your loss will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dustin and son Tyler Swearingen
Linda and family, we are very saddened by your loss. We met James Dale though Helen and Howard and always respected how much he loved his mom, Linda, and all of his family. He truly worked hard and played hard. A life well lived. Our prayers to your family.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you as your family celebrates James Dale’s life. So sorry for his having left this world too soon!
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are will you all.
Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to understand why James Dale left this world too soon. Remember the good times!
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