James Jim Baker

Jim Baker, 65, of Creston, IA passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at his home in rural Creston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston. Fr. Kenneth Halbur, Jr., Celebrant. Jim will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery following Mass and a luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM, Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, 809 W. Montgomery St, Creston, IA. The Rosary will be said at 6:15 PM Sunday. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Malachy School in Creston. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
James “Jim” Edmund Baker, was born in Creston on December 5, 1954, the only son of Francis Edmund and Dorothy Ellen (Crago) Baker. Jim was raised on the family farm in Union County, IA where his love for farming began. He attended school in Creston and graduated from Creston High School with the Class of 1973. A few years later, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lynn Schlapia. The couple was united in marriage on November 26, 1977 at the St. Malachy Catholic Church in Creston. Two children were born to bless their union: Renea and Jeff.
Jim was a farmer in Union County his whole life. In his adult years, Jim raised livestock and grew corn, soybeans and hay. Jim loved his family and was especially proud of his two granddaughters. He was a friend to many and would always lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbors. Jim was a life-long member of the St. Malachy and Holy Spirit Catholic Churches. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Preceding Jim in death was his loving wife and life-long partner, Mary Lynn Baker, in June 2019; and his parents.
Jim is survived by his two children: Renea Burg (Fiance’ Jason Cochran) of Des Moines, IA and Jeff (wife Mandy) Baker of Urbandale, IA; his two granddaughters: Abigail Burg and Breckyn Baker; two sisters: Carolyn (husband Don) Ketter of Lake Stevens, WA and Rita (husband Gary) Michels of Ft. Collins, CO; and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn.