James Joseph Baker III
April 13, 1969 ~ October 14, 2024
Age 55 of Pine City, formerly of Forest Lake. Passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2024.
Preceded in death by father, James Baker Jr., step-mother, Darlene Baker; infant brother, Zachary Reidell; grandparents, James & Marie Baker, Gene & Irene Mertes; uncle, Donald Baker; aunt, Karen Carlson. Survived by loving wife of 30 years, Lynda Baker; children, Dalton, Payton & Ashlyn Baker; mother, Kathy Reidell; siblings, Kodi (Adam) Young, Jerison (Maria) Reidell, Lorraine Moen, Julie (Allen) Steiner, Rosie (John) Howe, Charlie (Shelly) Moen, Louie (Carrie) Moen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Jim was a union bricklayer who worked as a foreman from the age of 25 until the past four years when he worked as a masonry superintendent. He took great pride in his work, showing his family every building that he worked on throughout the years. He cared greatly and spoke often about those he worked with as if they were family. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, he loved being on the lake fishing/ice fishing, in the woods deer hunting, snowmobiling, or on his tractor grading the beach and cutting the grass. (Which he claimed to hate).
As the kids were growing up Jim was an active participant in watching and coaching their sports. He coached many kids in the Forest Lake area including boys and girls hockey, baseball, and fastpitch. He was also a spectator at many volleyball games. He created relationships with many parents and athletes throughout the years. This was one of his favorite stages of his life.
His number one favorite thing was spending time with family no matter what they were doing.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 7 PM Wednesday, October 23rd with visitation beginning at 4 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.
Oh Baker – we are going to miss you so very much! Thank you for being our friend and neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand. Your endless stories about your adventures kept us quite entertained and we will miss that dearly. Jim, you left us all too soon – we will always remember your fun and funny spirit.
Joe, Kathy, Nick and Logan
Love you uncle jimmy!
Jack and I enjoyed his friendship whenever we came to Minnesota. We were blessed to have been able to spend time with him in august for our son’s 40 th birthday. He always had a smile on his face and a bubbly personality. God has a very special man up there! Gone but NEVER forgotten.
The best coach someone could ask for! So many fun memories that I haven’t even thought of in years but bring a smile to my face as I write this. Jim will always have a special place in our hearts
Worked with the Bakers and Moens on May job sites .sorry for your loss.
Another Baker taken from us too soon. Even as a child Jimmy always had a smile on his face.I think it was a permanent fixture on his face.
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. From all of us at Custom Drywall.
Sending you strength and support during this challenging period. My deepest condolences and remembrance of many fond memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thinking of you all🙏🏼
Q: What will you never forget about James?
A: Jim was an awesome fast pitch coach!
He made a connection with Anne Marie right away. He named her Manny- and it stuck! To this day we don’t know what it meant- but through this nickname, he made a lasting connection with a middle schooler! ( Not always easy to do!). This led to a friendship with Dave and me. We enjoyed getting together now and then!
We shared Marine Corps stories of our sons’ experiences and memories of fastpitch and volleyball of our daughters!
Jim- I know you’re connected with my Dave already! Behave yourselves up there!🥰🥰🥰
On behalf of the whole team, please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you – sending you love, light, and comfort during this time.
Jim was always in my office checking in and telling stories to make me laugh. He helped me with never-ending car issues, took me on job site tours at the drop of a hat, and was always telling jokes that made me smile. Working with Jim was always fun – he will truly be missed.
Lynda and family, so sorry for your loss. Jim brought a ray of hope and light to our lives. He will be greatly missed. Wishing you peace and comfort.
May the beautiful memories of Jim bring you peace in the days ahead. We are deeply sorry for your loss,
Each summer, as the annual MC&MCA golf tournament came around, I would dial up Bake and it was a given that he was in. We joked at the last one two months ago that it had to have been 12 that he and I paired up with throughout the years. I never could have imagined that our round in August would be our last. Jim was a mason that took pride in his craftsmanship. He knew his trade well and we were blessed to have had him throughout his career.
Jim, thanks for the many laughs and time spent whether it be on the job site or on the course. This man was one-of-a-kind and I will miss him greatly. I just wished I could have said goodbye to my friend. Rest in Peace, Bake, and may God have mercy upon your soul.