James Sylvan 'Jim' Baker, 62
James Sylvan "Jim" Baker, 62, died of natural causes at his residence in the evening of Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, in Kalispell.
He was the second-born son of Vernon "Smokey" and Eunice Olive (Holcomb) Baker on Aug. 14, 1943, in Kalispell. Jim attended Batavia, Demarsville, Evergreen, and Central School while growing up in the Flathead. His family moved quite a bit because his dad, Vern, traveled around to different logging areas for work.
In 1959, Jim enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 16. He served a year and then was out on a medical discharge. He returned home and started working for Kalispell Laundry where he worked for several years. Jim also worked for Stolze Land & Lumber and sawmill for many years as an edger.
After leaving Stolze, Jim, for many years during Christmas tree season, sold trees around the valley. Later, after his health failed him, you could find Jim attending many flea markets, usually over in Sagle, Idaho. He seemed to really enjoy this for he had a talent for shooting the bull. This allowed him to travel a bit and also gave him some source of income. Eventually Jim's health slowly deteriorated and he got to a point where traveling was too much to do anymore, so he quit doing the flea markets.
In October of 1963, Jim married Ellen Olive Caudill in Kalispell. Together they had three children, Sherman, Tammy and Carrie. They have lived in Kalispell for all of their lives.
Jim loved to hunt and fish and also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage. Jim enjoyed going to Sawbuck's for his daily breakfast, for this was his time to socialize and see good old friends. It was like his second home. He enjoyed good food and wonderful conversations, and he was spoiled by the waitress there. He was a member of the Eagles Club.
Most of all in life, Jim enjoyed his grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye. They kept him going through the years of bad health. They will miss him very much. "We will all miss him dearly."
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Baker, in 1991; his dad in 1961; his mother in 1993; and his younger brother, Rick, in 1998.
He is survived by a son, Sherman Baker and his wife, Rae, and their two children, Arrielle and Colby of Kalispell; two daughters, Tammy Koski and her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Katie and Chelsea, and Carrie Baker and her two children, Jordon and Jake, all of Kalispell; he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Graveside services and urn burial for Jim Baker will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be no visitation held. There will be a reception announced at the graveside service.
The family suggests if any donations are made that they be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jim's family.