James William Baker, age 77, answered God's call on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Born on October 15, 1948, in Tulsa, OK, he walked through this life with dignity, compassion and the conviction to "always do the right thing". He was a man of character and integrity, coupled with a desire to help encourage and strengthen anyone he encountered seeking knowledge and guidance.

He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1967, where he was an outstanding athlete receiving top awards in football, baseball and wrestling. He began his college studies and athletic programs at Oklahoma Military Academy and finished his degree in Education at Northeastern State University, where he later obtained his Masters. His 28-year career found him sharing his passion of history with his students and friends. His commitment to hard work and internal growth helped mold and strengthen many athletes in his coaching career. In both his professional and personal life, he imparted wisdom, fortitude and encouragement to all he met.

He loved to travel and explore but, even more, enjoyed sharing the world around him with his family. Every trip had an historical theme and every homecoming found his traveling partners more enriched and knowledgeable than when they left. His goal in life was always to impart learning, discipline and appreciation for people and things around us. A die-hard Yankee fan, he never lost his love of pinstripes. His later years found him, his wife and family or friends at numerous NASCAR tracks across America - of course, with historical stops along the way.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Louise Baker, along with his sister, Teresa Foster. He is survived by wife, Nancy, his loving and devoted partner of 50 years; daughter Monica Carreno and husband Sal of Broken Arrow; son Jared Baker and wife Diana of Owasso; six grandchildren who thought he hung the moon -- Cecilia, Lillian, Elias Carreno and Izabel, Abigail and Killian Baker, along with numerous friends who will all miss his presence but are richer for having known him.

Memorial Services Celebrating Jim's life will be 10:00AM Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Moore Funeral Home, Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st St., Tulsa, Oklahoma.