James L. Baker, 82, of Franklin died at 12:24 a.m. Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Meadville Medical Center.
A son of the late Richard Vernon and Daisy Isabelle Hart Baker, he was born in Utica on July 25, 1934. He was a graduate of Franklin high School.
Jim began his career as a mechanic and progresses to operate a service station in Reno and then moved on to repairing large trucks before eventually turning his attention to truck driving. He drove for Werner Continental, Hall’s Motor Trucking and later for Consolidated Freight Ways. He was a member of the teamsters.
While camping at Wolf’s Camping Resort his proficiency at repairing golf carts became well known and he became the “Golf Cart King” creating a business of repairing, renting and selling golf carts.
Jim enjoyed playing softball, basketball and golfing and he had recorded a hole in one. He participated in the Rocky Grove Bowling League and he had been a member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department.
On December 2, 1955 he married the former Rebecca Day, she survives along with three children Deborah Ann Baker, James Michael Baker and his wife Marcy, and Carly Rebecca Kelly-Baker all of Franklin; 3 grandchildren Taylor Michael Baker, Shannon Marie Beers and Jeffrey Scott Beers; 3 great-grandchildren Gage, Ethaniel and Briella. Also surviving are 2 brothers Robert Paul Baker of Culver City, CA and Vernon Lee Baker of Carlton; 2 sisters Shirley Alquist of St. Petersburg, FL and Ruby Cummings of Franklin and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Cindy Sue Baker, granddaughter Jamie Rebecca Kelly, 4 brothers Richard Eugene, Charles Elmer, Donald Glenn and Clair DeWayne Baker, and 2 sisters Esther Jane Baker and Ruth Naomi Wilson.
There will be no public visitation. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Interment will be made in Franklin Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1128 State St., Erie PA 16501 or the Venango County Humane Society, PO Box 1045, Oil City PA 16301.
Online condolences and sympathy cards may be sent to his family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com
