James Leon Baker

May 05, 1931 - November 26, 2013

Obituary For James Leon Baker

Jim Baker, 82, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from sudden and declining health. He is now resting peacefully in heaven. Jim was born in Greensboro, NC on May 5, 1931 to James Hobert and Audrey Cavanaugh Baker. He was raised by his father Hobert and second wife Anne Pace Baker, along with their housekeeper Bertie Heath. Jim graduated from Greensboro High School in 1949 and attended classes at Guilford College and the Marine Corps Institute. On September 19, 1951, Jim joined the Marine Corps and served 4 years on active duty during the Korean Conflict in the First and Third Marine Air Wing reaching the rank of Staff Sargent. During this time he met the love of his life Carmelena Lopez and they were married on November 30, 1951. In 1955 he became an employee of Cone Mills in Reidsville, NC as Superintendent of Personnel but in 1956 left to work for Kraft Foods and through his hard work he became a recipient of the prestigious J. L. Kraft Award. At the time, this was the highest honor bestowed upon an employee of Kraft Foods and the “Jade ring” he received was worn with great pride. In 1968 Jim joined Southeastern Marketing as an Account Executive and by 1974 became Vice President and rose to the position of Chairman/CEO in 1983. He remained in that capacity until he retired in 1994, in 2004 he joined the William C. Etheridge Foundation as a board member where he served until the present. Jim loved life. He enjoyed traveling with his son Steve and daughter-in-law, Donna to his place in Atlantic Beach, NC and to Ocean Drive, SC. Jim had a quick smile and enjoyed meeting people and loved a nice meal with a good glass of wine, a slow dance with a pretty lady, a walk on the beach and a quick joke but most of all he was a family man and loved spending time with his family and his great grandchildren. On May 11, 2009, Jim’s life was brightened by the arrival of a beautiful Great Grandaughter, Alivia and on August 22, 2012 by the arrival of a Great Grandson, Aaden. In recent years, Jim had inquired about this Mother’s family and after some diligent research by Martha Guthrie, Jim was able to connect with and meet a sister that he never knew existed, Kathryn Mathis. His new family now includes an additional six first cousins. Jim was preceeded in death by his wife Carmelena Lopez Baker and is survived by his son, Dr. J. Steven Baker and wife Donna Rook Baker; Sister,Kathryn Mathis and husband Phil Mathis; 2 Grandaughters, Courtney Mann; and Ashley Mann Woodlief and husband Aaron and Great Grand Children Aliva and Aaden Woodlief; Cousins, Evelyn Paschal Zarycki, Norman Paschal, Ronnie Avery, Janette Vlanich, John Cavanaugh, Kevin Cavanaugh, Patricia Notini, Moira Cavanaugh and Maureen Cavanaugh-Shiroma. He leaves behind many friends Visitation and Memorial Service to be held Sunday, December 1st at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 with entombment to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome but donations may be made to Fight Like Paxton, 13124 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27614

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Raleigh Memorial Park Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Tommy Morris

We will always cherish our memories of Jim on the sittum at Beachwalk at Pine Knoll Shores where we spent many early evenings together. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and we enjoyed the fellowship that we shared over the years. He will be sorely missed by those of us at Beachwalk. Tommy and Ruby Morris #214 Beachwalk
September 01, 2020

M Jones

I am sorry for your loss; please accept my sincere condolences. I hope you will find some comfort in Jesus' promise of the resurrection(Acts 24:15)for those who have fallen asleep in death.-John 5:28,29. Until then may Jehovah God grant you peace and comfort, during this time of sorrow.- Matthew 5:4.
September 01, 2020

Paige Stubbs Norwood

What an outstanding gentleman Mr. Baker was to me. I will always cherish the memories I have of him - knowing him as an employee and as a family friend. He always shared a smile, a hug, and a kind word with me each and every time I saw him. I especially enjoyed visiting with him and Carm when I travelled to Raleigh early in my career. I am blessed to have known him, to have enjoyed working for him, and to be able to cherish the memories I will always carry with me of him. You remain in my prayers as you rejoice in knowing he is at peace. Paige Stubbs Norwood
September 01, 2020

John Watters

I will always remember Mr. Baker and his lovely wife being gracious hosts as I visited in their home with Steve. Those visits always involved Mrs. Baker demanding that I eat something and Mr. Baker smiling slyly knowing that protesting I wasn't hunger was a losing battle. I know you are in a better place with your lovely wife. Rest in peace. John Watters
September 01, 2020

Sean

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Baker family. The loss of a loved one is something we all can never prepare ourselves and coping never becomes easier. During such times of grief and mourning, the bible has often proven to be a source of comfort. It makes two wonderful promises that we all can look forward to. According to Isaiah 33:24, in the near future we can look forward to a time where sickness will no longer exist and John 5:28,29 promises us that soon there will be a resurrection, giving all of us the opportunity to reunite with our loved ones whom have passed away. I hope these two promises can be a source of comfort.
September 01, 2020

Chigger and Cookie Woods

Lit a candle in memory of James Leon Baker
September 01, 2020

Art Smith

I will miss Mr. Baker as he was a Y buddy of mine for a number or years. He always was about three lockers down from mine and we would talk about the beach, shagging and times we both use to have at OD. He spoke often of going to the beach with his son as I would go down to Emerald Isle with my son. He always wore the coolest T shirts and we would laugh at what they said and he told me where to buy them in Atlantic Beach. I had not seen him for awhile and would ask about him hoping all was well. I will truly miss my friend as I look three lockers down. What a nice man. Art Smith