James W. Baker

James W. Jim Baker, 84, of Port Clinton and formerly of Cleveland, OH, passed away, Monday, June 06, 2011 at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky, OH. He was born October 08, 1926, the son of James W. and Irene McDonnell Baker. Mr. Baker was Vice President and Co-Owner of the Napa store in Port Clinton, retiring in July 1991. Jim was a veteran of W.W.II serving in the United States Navy. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, helping with hospitality, Knights of Columbus, and was a past member of the finance committee for six years. Jim was a member of the Elks Lodge #1718 where he was the organist for 13 years, life member of the Homer D. Gardner Post #2480, life member of the Ottawa County Humane Society, member of the American Legion Post #113, Moose Lodge #1610 and Moose Legion of Port Clinton, past sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, past member of the National Rifle Association, past member of the Catawba Kiwanis, charter member of the Private Industry Council and past member of the Military Affairs Committee. Survivors include: Wife: Helen R. Bennice Baker of Port Clinton, OH; Brother: William J. Baker of Texas; Step-children: Vincent Glenda Bennice of Sandusky, OH, Karen Keith Ohm of Catawba Island, Larry Carol Bennice of Port Clinton, OH and Diane Chris Below of Michigan; 7 Step-grandchildren, 2 Great Step-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, first wife of 40 years: Joan Matousek, sister: Doris Irene Sallay and brother: Robert T. Baker. A Memorial Mass will be conducted by Father John Missler at 10:30AM, Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton, OH, where the family will gather to greet friends and family from 9:30AM until the time of Mass. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton with a military graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be given to Stein Hospice or Immaculate Conception Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton, OH.