James N. Baker

James Norman Baker, 90, of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 30th, 2026.

James was born to Clara Elizabeth (Dyarman) Baker and Elmer Edgar Baker on November 11, 1935 in Edenville, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Franklin Craig Baker of Marietta, Georgia; Robert Eugene Baker of Pleasantville, California; and David Elmer Baker of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Ernestina “Tina” Flores Baker; sons James Baker II and wife Joni Baker; John Baker and wife Kristie Messner Baker; and daughter Elizabeth Baker and husband Samuel Wear; as well as by his sister Cecelia Mary Viti of Mechanicsburg and nine grandchildren: Ethan Baker, Jeslyn Baker, David Baker, Jayme Baker, Crescentia Baker, Bowie Baker, Avner Shaw, Bijou Baker and Zara Shaw.

James attended grade school in Mechanicsburg and Centerville, before attending Boiling Springs High School, class of 1954, where he competed in football, baseball, basketball and track & field. He later graduated from Shippensburg University in 1958. He earned his Master’s degree from Shippensburg University.

After enlisting in the Navy Reserve, James joined the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Major in 1980. He flew 350 combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross , Air Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retiring from the military, Jim returned to Boiling Springs, where he taught high school English at Big Spring High School, and coached football and soccer at Big Spring High School, Boiling Springs High School, and Dickinson College.

James was a co-founder of the Boiling Springs Civic Association, the satellite branch of Mechanicsburg Meals on Wheels for the Boiling Springs area, and the Carlisle Chapter of the NAACP. He was also a Past Commander of VFW Post #8851. He served as Township Supervisor for South Middleton Township for twenty-six years. He was a recipient of the Four Chaplains’ Award.

A visitation (9:30 am) and Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Friday, May 8th, 2026 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church at 111 Walnut Street, Boiling Springs. Interment, with Military Honors, will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. After James is laid to rest at the gravesite, friends and family are invited to join a celebration of life at Fiddlers at Mayapple at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Mechanicsburg Meals on Wheels, 201 E. Green St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, P O Box 46, Boiling Springs, PA 17007.