James E. Baker, 80, of West Union passed away Friday, July 9, 2021 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. James Elwyn, the son of Howard and Eva (Reed) Baker, was born April 16, 1941 in Indianola, Iowa. He was baptized in the Christian Church in Perry, Iowa. James graduated from Perry High School in 1959. James was united in marriage with Geraldine Williams in June of 1969. To this union, one daughter was born. James and Geraldine later divorced.
Throughout his life, James worked for Iowa Turkey Products in Postville, Iowa; Sawyer Tie Lumber Company in Monona, Iowa; Spectrum Industries in Decorah, Iowa; and he was an half owner of a can redemption center in Decorah before his retirement in 2001.
James had been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. He enjoyed word search puzzles, cruising around in his Chrysler Sebring convertible, assembling models, being outdoors, drawing pictures and doing crafts. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
James is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicky and Mike Koch of Randalia, Iowa; two grandchildren, Dalton (Keely White) Koch of St. Olaf, Iowa and Trevor (fiancée, Katie Dolezal) Koch of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister, Laura Ihde of Monona, Iowa; two brothers Edward (Cheryl) Baker of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Larry Baker of Coralville, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eva.
Visitation will be held at the Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa on Tuesday evening, July 13, 2021 from 4 – 7 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Burnham-Wood-Grau in West Union. Rev. Lynn Noel will be the officiant.
Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.