BAKER, James (Jim) Hector Gordon
With deep sorrow and wonderful memories, we say goodbye to our father, grandfather, brother, and friend, JIM BAKER. He passed away on June 1, 2002 in Courtenay, BC at 80 years of age. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Beryl, in June of 2000. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Linda (Stephen) Evans and his son Jim (Penny) Baker and his grandchildren Shelley, Kim, Robin, Lani, David, Michael, Stephanie, Holly, Noah and Logan as well as his 16 great-grandchildren. Jim shared a wonderful childhood with his brothers Peter and Gordon. Predeceased by Pete, he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by Gord. He will also be remembered by Anne (Blythe) Baker and Phil Barber.
Jim was born in Toronto on January 24, 1922 and during his school days there, met Beryl McKim, the love of his life. They married on December 23, 1942. That same year, Jim enlisted in the RCAF. After numerous transfers throughout Canada and Europe, Jim and his family moved to Comox in 1959. In 1966/67 Jim culminated his career with a peacekeeping tour with the UN in Pakistan. In 1968 he retired from the service.
During his “retirement” Jim became a Registered Social Worker and soon after, the beloved friend and advocate for the handicapped at Bevan Lodge. He was a member of Kiwanis where he served as President and also as an early supporter of Kiwanis Village in Courtenay. He was involved with the Canadian Red Cross and served as the Upper Island Emergency Services Coordinator. Jim also helped found the Comox Valley Hospice Society and was a great support for many people in our community during their time of need.
Wherever he went, Jim was involved in Boy Scouts and often started new scout troops. He became Comox Valley District Commissioner and then Regional Commissioner for the Island. He was also a great supporter of the Girl Guide Program and likewise helped start Brownie & Guide groups during his travels. Jim was a superb football player and shared his love of the game by coaching various teams in the Valley during the 1960’s. Jim had a happy life full of service to others, and a wonderful sense of humour that not even Alzheimer’s could erase.
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mya Ambrose and the professional, loving, and compassionate staff in the Special Care Unit at Glacier View Lodge, Jim’s home for the last few years. They exemplify the kind of life that Jim lived and we are very grateful to them.
The memorial service will take place at Piercy’s Funeral Home, 440 England Avenue, Courtenay, at 1:30 P.M., Friday, June 7, 2002 and Jim’s friends are invited to visit with the family afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one or a friend or your dog for a walk down to Kin Beach.