Jim Baker, age 61, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior August 31, 2009 at the Little Rock Baptist Hospital.

Jim was born June 2, 1948 in Santa Anna, Tx. to Pat Jim Baker, Sr. and Vera Payne Baker. He is survived by his mother of San Antonio, Tx.; sister, Judy (Al) Martin, also of San Antonio; nephew, Neil Martin of Austin, Tx.; two aunts, Mary (Bob) Thorpe of Berryville, Ar.; and Selma (Roy) Caskey of Clarksville, Tn.; and numerous cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his dad, Pat Jim, Sr.; grandparents, Wayne (Mary Jane) Payne; Lawrence Lamar Montgomery (birth grandad); Iva (Rufus) Baker; one aunt, Norma Payne Willis.

Jim grew up in Texas, and graduated from San Saba High School. He was a trucker for most of his life until he moved to Arkansas about 24 years ago. Since he had a driver's license to export explosives, he worked for a time on special effects on a Charlie Sheen movie.

For the past 15 years he worked for the City of Heber Springs as Director of Sanitation. He took great pride in his work, had many friends in town, his church, as well as in surrounding towns. Jim never knew a stranger. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish and hunt. He also loved working in his church, serving the Lord. Jim was a member of the Heber Springs Church of Christ.

Jim was loved by so many and will be missed greatly. Especially his very closest friends Dennis and Shelly Leisenring, the Mayor Jackie (Vicki) McPherson and Jim's co-workers.

Services were held Thursday September 3, 2009 at the Heber Springs Church of Christ and burial in Heber Springs City Cemetery. All arrangements under the direction of Heber Springs Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Church of Christ at 2nd & Wallace St. in San Saba.