James Glenn "Jim" Baker, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Red Oak following complications from a long-standing heart condition on July 8, 2025.

Jim was born August 20, 1944, in his family's home in Ida Grove, Iowa, the youngest of five children born to Glenn and Beatrice (Briscoe) Baker. He spent his childhood in Ida Grove and graduated from high school in 1962.

In 1965, Jim married Betty Kolb, and together they had two children: Wendy (Baker) Huscher of Springfield, Missouri, and Jaysen Baker of Ozark, Missouri. In 1976, Jim married Carolyn Ritnour who had two children, Stanley Thompson of Des Moines, and Sherry Powers of Red Oak.

Jim began his career with Western Light Telephone Company in Ida Grove. In 1965, he joined Northwestern Bell in Council Bluffs and later returned to the company in Red Oak after working for Stenoien Trucking in Chicago. He retired in 2001 from Qwest Telephone Company after a long and dedicated career in telecommunications.

From 1963 to 1969, Jim served his country with pride in the Iowa National Guard. He was part of Company C-34 Infantry Division and was activated in April 1968 during the Vietnam War, serving 18 months of active duty before being honorably discharged in 1969.

Jim was a man of many passions and talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and collecting antiques—especially clocks. He found joy in restoring century homes and was an avid stock and real estate investor. He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, he belonged to the Telephone Pioneers, and bridge and coffee clubs. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, and four children: Wendy Huscher (Bart), Jaysen Baker (Julie), Stanley Thompson (Nancy), and Sherry Powers (Drue). He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Austin Huscher (Cheyenne), Alex Huscher (Taylor), Justin Baker, Josh Baker, Andrew Thompson (Mary Katherine), Matthew Thompson, Samuel Thompson (Rachel), Benjamin Thompson (Rayza), Ethan Powers, and Logan Powers (Aubre). He was great-grandfather to: Palmer Huscher, Matilda Powers and Tatum, Lynden, Grace, Howard and Olivia Thompson; his sister Shirley Palm of Ida Grove, brother Jerome Baker (JoAnn) of Holstein, and sister Sharon Courter of Bellevue, Michigan; brothers-in-law Steve Ritnour (daughter Sarah) of Red Oak and Richard Crouse of Nodaway; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jack Baker, and brother-in-law, Ken Palm all from Ida Grove; and Bob Courter, Bellevue, Michigan, nephew, David Baker, Cherokee, sisters-in-law, Lucile (Ritnour) Crouse, Nodaway and Joy Ritnour, Red Oak.

A life well-lived, Jim's legacy is one of service, craftsmanship, faith, laughter, and above all—love.

Funeral mass will be held 9 AM Friday, July 18, 2025, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Memorial donations may be made in Jim's honor to the Autism Society of Iowa or the Iowa DNR Fish & Wildlife Trust Fund.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.