James Madison Baker Sr

James Madison Baker, Sr. July 12, 1935 – June 21, 2025 James Madison Baker, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength. Born on July 12, 1935, to Thomas Boyd Baker and Ressie Martin Baker, James was raised with deep-rooted values of hard work, kindness, and connection; traits he carried throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Baker, and his sister Birdie Jean Baker Forbus. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, James served his country with honor and discipline. He believed in earning your way and doing your best, no matter the task. Whether serving his nation or building something with his hands, if James had a set of plans, he could bring anything to life. He shared 59 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Joan Barnett Baker, who also preceded him in death; along with their son, James “Jimbo” Madison Baker, Jr. Together, they built a home filled with stories, laughter, and enduring love. James is survived by his daughters, Joan “Joanie” Baker Tolar (Larry) and Jamie Baker Magee. He was a proud grandfather to Michael Riser; Eric Tolar (Hailee Jordan); and twin granddaughters, Gracie and Olivia Magee. He is also lovingly remembered by his great-granddaughter, Sarah Myers (George), and great-great-grandson, Baker James Myers. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lucie Evangeline Magee, and his son-in-law, Michael “Mike” Magee. To know James was to know warmth. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel like family. A master storyteller, his tales, though often long, were always worth hearing. He loved a good joke, a good conversation, and time spent fishing. And when football season came around, James could always be found watching the game, especially if the Alabama Crimson Tide was playing. Roll Tide was more than a phrase; it was part of who he was. Above all, James loved his family deeply and lived a life rooted in loyalty, joy, and purpose. His strength, humor, and presence will be deeply missed, but the stories he told and the love he gave will live on in all who knew him. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Graveside service on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holly Gardens Cemetery. Instead of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond, LA, 70404

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James Madison Baker Sr

July 12, 1935 - June 21, 2025