Union Democrat Obituaries for April 16th, 2008

James Keith Baker

Oct. 25, 1925 — April 14, 2008

Soulsbyville resident James Keith Baker died April 14 at his home. He was 82.

Mr. Baker was born in New Orleans, La. He lived in Longview, Texas, until his mother died from spinal meningitis in 1933. He and his brothers returned to New Orleans, where they were raised by their grandfather. At the age of 17, he joined the Merchant Marine on June 17, 1943 and left the service on Aug. 15, 1953.

His father was drafted into World War II and died in France on Oct. 25, 1944. Mr. Baker was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps on Aug. 17, 1951, for service in Korea. He was discharged on Aug. 16, 1953.

He attended Tulane University in New Orleans for two years. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he went to work for Douglas Aircraft Company.

On Jan. 23, 1960, he married Barbara Jones of Heidelberg, Pa., at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Van Nuys.

Mr. Baker and his family moved to Northern California and he and his wife retired to Cedar Ridge in 1990. They lived in Soulsbyville for the past three years.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Baker; children Patricia Koboshi, Kenneth Baker, James M. Baker, Teresa Baker and Thomas Baker; grandchildren Bryan and Michael Koboshi, Kayla Ogden, Kristyn, Austin and Kasey Baker, and Gabriel and Serette Baker; and brothers John "Forrest" Baker and Juan Baker.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, April 18, at All Saints' Catholic Church, 18674 Cherokee Dr., in Twain Harte.

Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.