James Baker

James L. “Jim” Baker, 80, of Dickeyville, went to his home in heaven on Monday, March 2, 2015. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Loran Hershey will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the James L. “Jim” Baker Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Jim was born on October 11, 1934 in Hastings, MN, the son of James J. and Florence M. (Whightman) Baker. He was married to Jane Baker for 27 years, and then later, he was united in marriage to Margaret “Marge” Nankee on February 18, 1984 at Word of Life Church, Dubuque, IA. Jim worked as a self-employed painter for 30 years. He also worked at Eagle Window & Door, Dubuque. He was also a proud member of the Word of Life Church. Jim is survived by his wife, Marge, of 31 years; children, Merlyn (Debbie) Baker; Cheryl Baker; Linda (Rich) Halatek; Matthew (Kate) Baker; Marilee Timmerman; Janet Wilson (Jerry) Knasinski; Jeffrey “Willie” (Cheryl) Wilson; and Joseph (Jules) Wilson; 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Erickson and Roberta (Mike) Taube; sister-in-law, Maxine Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jay Wilson; grandson, Andy Baker; granddaughter, Joann Hutchinson; great-grandson, Robert Hutchinson Jr.; infant brother, Kenneth Baker; brothers; Walter, Glen, and Floyd; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Duane) DeWitt; Audrey (Paul) Seaton; Dick Erickson.