James Louis Baker's Obituary
Funeral services for James Louis Baker, 73, of Leesville, will be held at 11:00A.M on Friday, May 31, 2019 in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation will be Friday, May 31, 2019 from 9:00 A.M until time of service at the church.
James Louis Baker born on June 18,1944 in New Orleans, LA to Lucille Chatman-Baker and
O.D. Baker went home to rest on May 26, 2019. A husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend he gave the best of his love and loyalty to all whom he shared his life with. He disarmed everyone with a comforting smile and an affection for any who were willing to have a light-hearted moment with him, which often ended with him sharing his failures and successes that that only a great man like him could give witness too.
James began his twenty-plus years of military service at Fort Benning, GA. After two tours in of duty during the Vietnam War, he would go on to be a drill instructor at Fort Polk. He was also stationed at Fort Clayton, Panama where he was first introduced to a young family that would go on to become his "forever friends" and extended family, Ronald and Angela DeGray. He ultimately retired from military service at Fort Polk, LA in 1985.James accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, O.D. and Lucille Baker; brothers, O.D.Baker, Jr. and Eddie Baker; sister, Baby Baker; nephew, Darren "Tiny" Baker.
James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Bettie Baker; three daughters Tracy Baker and
Tiffany Baker of Leesville and Tamala Crawford (Courtney) of Carrollton, TX; three brothers
Clifton Chatman of Pioneer, LA, Jessie and Ricky Baker of Leesville, one sister Barbara Baker of Leesville; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His memory will be shared by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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