James J. Baker, 93, of Mayville, New York and Wickenburg, Arizona, passed away on December 18, 2022, having recently been diagnosed with cancer. He was born on August 25, 1929, to the late Clarence and Margaret (Haugh) Baker. He is survived by his wife of seventy-one years, Jacqueline (Brown) Baker, whom he married on November 10, 1951, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, his children Jay Baker and his wife Sharon of Mayville, New York, his daughter Joy Baker of Sherman, NY, his sister Betty (Baker) Foster, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Brendan Baker and his husband Gary, of Denver, Colorado, Justin Baxenburg and his wife Sara of Falls Church, Virginia, Quintana Hayden and her husband Luke of Conifer, Colorado, Bethany Baker of Washington, DC, Jessup Baker and his wife Christina of Mayville, New York, Camden Baker and his wife Claire of Loveland, Colorado, Chandler Baker and his wife Courtney of Mayville, New York. He is remembered with great affection by his seven great grandchildren, Oliver and Isabel Baxenburg of Falls Church, Virginia, Luke and Ellis Hayden of Conifer, Colorado, Noelle and Jack Baker of Maysville, New York and Wren Baker of Mayville, New York. Especially devoted in his final days were his niece Melissa Cramer and her husband Mark of Wayesburg, Pennsylvania, and his nephew Shawn Baker, of Dakar, Senegal. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Baker, his brothers, Peter and Paul Baker, and his sister, Theresa (Baker) Rote.

He and his wife were the former owners of Jamestown Plastics, Inc. They purchased the small business in 1976. Jim was the president of the company for 23 years, setting a vision of a family-owned and operated company that continues today through his son and grandsons.

Prior to owning Jamestown Plastics, Jim was a salesman for Presque Isle Paper Co., Hubbs & Howe Packaging, and Curtis Candy Co. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

He was a member of the Chautauqua County Central School Board for many years and was its president at the time of the construction of Turner Elementary.

Jim was beloved by not only his large, extended family but also by his employees and his many friends in the community. He was known for his ever-present generosity, with both his family and friends and with those he barely knew. For many years he brought boxes of Christmas chocolates to "the ladies" at the Department of Motor Vehicles, just because he did not want them to be overlooked.

Along with his kindness, he was known for his smart-aleck sense of humor. As a young salesman, he would occasionally carry a large rubber chicken in his briefcase, with the beak and feet sticking out either end. He could get through any door to make a sale.

He was especially loved by his seven grandchildren and became an honorary grandpa for many of their friends.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral services. A memorial gathering will be planned in the Spring. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to Chautauqua County Hospice.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com