James “Jim” Kent Baker, age 83, passed away peacefully May 19, 2024, at his home in Seattle, Washington. He was born September 22, 1940, in New Underwood, South Dakota. Jim was a proud member of Local 32 in Seattle, where he worked for decades as a skilled pipefitter and welder. In 2020, he was honored with a 50-year union membership milestone, an achievement he took great pride in. He also served six years in the Army National Guard and was awarded an Expert Marksmanship Badge.

A man of many talents and simple joys, Jim loved woodworking and crafting everything from “Pegs and Jokers” game boards to birdhouses. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Lake Cle Elum, feeding hummingbirds, and savoring a Sourdough Jack burger while people-watching at Alki Beach. Though he fished only occasionally, he cherished the time he got to spend fishing with his son, Kevin. Jim also thoroughly enjoyed doing puzzles and cabin time when his daughter Margo and her family visited. As well as the occasional football game and corona with his daughter Michelle and her family.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, LuAnn (Knutson) Baker, who passed on December 24, 2019; his brothers-in-law, Bob Hansen, John Knutson, Alan Velder, and Donnie Eymer and sister-in-law, Linda Gebes.

He is survived by his sisters Marcia Eymer and Eldora Velder; his children Kevin Baker (wife Brittany), Margo Baker (daughters, Riley Murch and Emily "Mouse" Jones and great-granddaughter Athena Murch), and Michelle Bennett (husband Ryan Bennett, daughters Brooke, Melody, and Alexa).

Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip, South Dakota. Following the service coffee and cookies will be served at First Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to First Lutheran Church in Philip, South Dakota, or Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington, in Jim’s memory.