James Lee "Jim" "Lowlife" Baker

Mr. James Lee “Jim” Baker, 77, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes within the comfort of his own home on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 12:30 am. He had been in ill health.

He was born on July 13, 1946 in South Bend to the Late Olen and Mildred (Mack) Baker. On July 13, 2002, he married Judy A. (Colvard), who survives him at home after 22 wonderful years together.

He is also survived by his son. David B. Baker of South Bend; his stepson Terry L. (Maria) Cox of Palm Coast, Florida; a brother “Butch” Baker of Georgia; grandchildren Chasity, Corie and Heather Baker, Lucas Cox and Mia and Sophia Cramaro; and great grandson Malaki Baker. He is also survived by a loving host of extended family, in-laws and good friends. Preceding Jim in passing are his daughters Lisa, Laura and Cheryl Baker; his brother “Butch” Baker; who died January 26th of this year; his sister Joan Bowlby; and, most recently, his son Scott A. Baker, who passed away Monday, February 26th of this year in South Bend and is scheduled to be cremated.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, he is to be cremated with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. There will be a memorial celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the funeral home at 2:00 pm, with visitation beginning there at 1:00 pm. Pastor Kory Bell of the Redeemed Life Bible Church at Elkhart’s Grace Lutheran Church will officiate services. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honor Guard and the Elkhart County Veteran’s Honor Guard. Fire Department Honors will be rendered by the Osolo Township Fire Department Funeral Honor Guard.

Jim worked for the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation of Middlebury as an industrial maintenance technician for almost 35 years. He also served as a captain and the training officer on the Osolo Township Fire Department on Elkhart’s far northside for over a decade and a half in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, where he was lovingly known as “Lowlife”. Despite his less than flattering departmental moniker, he was always looked upon by his colleagues as a skilled and masterful firefighter. Finally, he served on active duty as a United States Marine Corps Reservist during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged in 1965.

He was modestly talented with his hands and enjoyed building things from time to time. He was also extremely masterful in the art of knot-tying, and ultimately built a knot-identification board which still hangs down at Osolo’s station house to this day.

One of his favorite pastimes was to tend to the squirrels, birds, chipmunks and other assorted wildlife that frequented Jim’s backyard. A quick call to “C’mooooon down!” and the trees would empty themselves of squirrels, all headed for Jim’s back porch peanut feeders. His personal record was hosting almost 25 squirrels at once, and he had a name for each and every one of them. He was fondly known as the neighborhood “squirrel whisperer.” He was also very active within his church, and always looked forward to attending a Sunday worship service.

Finally, it should be acknowledged that Jim’s 22 years with Judy were filled with warmth, joy and love. They absolutely adored each other, and Judy remains ever thankful that her life was blessed with Jim’s presence.

Donations given in Jim’s memory may go to the Redeemed Life Bible Church at Grace Lutheran Church.

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