James (Jim) Edward Baker of Johnstown, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016. Jim was born on July 14, 1939, to Walter and Isabel (Quay) Baker. He married Dorothy Pelzer in July of 1961. They have two daughters, Amy Elaine Baker and Betsy Lynne Baker (Martineau). He graduated from Berne Knox School, Paul Smith’s College with a degree in forestry, then on to Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in horticultural.
Jim initially worked for White Nurseries in Mecklenburg, NY. Then he began his employment with the United States Department of Agriculture Soil & Water Conservation in 1965 until 1996 holding positions in Ellicottville, Johnstown, Chestertown and Warrensburg, NY ending his federal career as the Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator. After his initial retirement, he worked for NYS Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation Department of Ballston Spa. Jim continued to work through the retirement by working for the New York State Nursery, Brown’s Ford and most importantly, “Baker’s Blueberries.”
At home in Johnstown, Jim was a member and consistory member at Johnstown Reformed Church. Jim served for many years as an officer and member of the F J & G Square Dance Club and Cross Trails of Canajoharie.
“Brothers” that Jim held in his heart were: Willie Fisher, Larry Lachmayer, John “Broffie” Stortecky, Ken Coirin, Jack Millard, Dick Rasmussen, Gary Frederick, and Mark Franze to name a few. This band of brothers shared some of Jim’s favorite things hunting and fishing and the stories about these activities.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Isabel. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Pelzer Baker of Johnstown; his brother, Robert (Bobby) A. Baker (Catherine) of Duntocher, Scotland; his daughters, Amy E. Baker (John Smith) of Voorheesville and Betsy L. Martineau (Lance) of Delanson; his grandsons, Zachery James Martineau of Schenectady and Christopher W. Putman (Kelley) of Jacksonville, NC; and the one very adoring, apple of her grandfather’s eye, wind-around-the-finger, “Punkin” granddaughter, Taylor Elaine Martineau of Delanson; great-grandsons, Brady, Keegan, Quinn and Sullavan Putman of Jacksonville, NC. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Mary Jane Pelzer of Saratoga; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Sandy Pelzer of Middlegrove; nephews and niece, Morgan (Elaine) Baker of Duntocher, Scotland, Jason (Gemma) Pelzer of Tenafly, NJ, Meredith (Lyman) Saltsman of Delanson, Michael Pelzer of Washington, DC; as well as a great-niece and nephew, Alice Pelzer and Clayton Saltsman.
Calling hours and service will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont, NY 12009. Calling hours: Thursday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. A service will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. Donations can be made to Johnstown Reformed Church, 351 North Perry Street, Johnstown, NY 12095. Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.
