James L. (Jim) Baker, born Jan. 5, 1921, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2016, at his home in Duncan, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family and comforted by his friends. He died of natural causes. Services are to be 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at Carter-Smart Funeral Home Chapel in Duncan with Dr. Brad Allen officiating. Interment will follow at the Duncan Cemetery and arrangements have been entrusted to the family care of Carter-Smart Funeral Home.

Family visitation will 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Carter-Smart Funeral Home.

Jim was born and raised in Seminole, Oklahoma to Martin and Rose Ann (Kelly) Baker, he graduated from Bowlegs High School in 1942 and immediately began 3 years of service with the U.S. Army Combat Engineers during W.W. II. He married Mary Lou Weir of Shawnee in 1944, he began his work career with National Supply Company which lasted 33 years, retired in 1978. He returned to work in 1980 with Jenkins Supply Company of Velma, Oklahoma for approximately two years before heading to Fort Lake to begin some serious fishing, a lifelong habit and joy.

Jim was a devoted Christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Duncan, Oklahoma. His retirement was characterized by his compassion for others and will be missed and remembered for his humor, home grown tomato's, personalized drawings, friendship and devotion to his family and faith.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary L. Baker, one daughter; Linda K. Baker of Duncan, Oklahoma and one son; Kent A. Baker of Plano, Texas. Two nephews; C. Paul Baker of Enid, Oklahoma and Tommy Baker of Pipe Creek, Texas and a niece Sharall Baker Grissen of Dallas, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rose Ann and Martin L. Baker. Jim had nine siblings, Robert "Buster", Cecil, Gene, Gary, Henry "Hank", Donald, Gladys, Mildred and Mary.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Skeet Chapman, Dick Fennel, Pete Boles, Dick Greenwood Gaylon Hunt and Fred Simpson.

In Lieu of flowers, one could make a donation to the First Baptist Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.cartersmartfuneralhome.com.