James Fred Baker

James Fred Baker was born April 11, 1950 in Enid, Oklahoma, the third of four sons to Vernon and Annella Baker. When James was six weeks old, he travelled with his family to Phillips University Science Camp near Alamosa, Colorado. James spent summers of his youth at the Science Camp (which was co-founded by his father, Vernon, a geology professor at Phillips University) and at property owned by his family in the nearby San Juan Mountains.

James attended Phillips University where he met Carolyn Hostetler. They married in December of 1970. After graduating from Phillips with a degree in Elementary Education, James taught school in Enid for four years before continuing his education at the University of Wyoming, where he received both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Elementary Education and Education Administration.

James and Carolyn had two children, Brian and Allison. He was a devoted husband and father and was very proud of his family. He welcomed Brian and Allison's spouses, Heather and Jeff, into the family with open arms, rejecting the term ""in-law"" and considering them among his children. In recent years he was especially proud of his grandchildren, Grace and Jack, and eager to teach them new things.

After graduate school, James's first position as principal was at an elementary school in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1979 he became the first principal of the brand-new Dillon Valley Elementary School in Summit County, Colorado. While in Summit County he took advantage of the school's ski program and learned how to downhill ski. In 1984, James became a principal at Peabody Elementary in the Littleton Public School District. Several years later he decided that he missed the one-on-one connection with students and returned to the classroom teaching fifth grade at Lois Lenski Elementary until taking early retirement in 2000. As a principal and teacher, James took full advantage of his free time in the summers spending time at the property in the San Juan Mountains with his family. He also enjoyed taking road trips with his children during the summer, usually on back roads exploring small towns and historic landmarks. James was a lifelong student and avid reader with a strong interest in science and history. He instilled in his children and his students a strong work ethic and a love of learning. James had a quick wit and a playful humor, which was cherished by his children and grandchildren.

As a boy James developed a passion for flying while riding with his uncle and namesake who was a pilot. This inspired him to become a pilot himself and he enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 on family vacations or day trips.

James took great pride in being able to build or fix something himself. As a child, he enjoyed taking apart electronics to understand how they worked. When something he needed was not available, James would figure out how to build or customize it. He taught his children to change their own oil and change a tire as prerequisites for obtaining their drivers licenses and was known to stand by, offering instruction, as his children learned to do something for themselves rather than hiring someone else to do it for them (sometimes to their chagrin).

James always had an interest in antiques and collectibles, largely because of his love of history. During his career as an educator, he ran a part-time business with his wife conducting antique shows and estate sales. After retiring as an educator James began his second career, establishing Baker Auction in the Denver area. He was an active member of the Colorado Auctioneers Association and National Auctioneers Association and poured his energy and intellect into the business, alongside Carolyn.

Above all, James was dedicated to his family, which usually included a four-legged friend. Over the course of his life James had several dogs who were treasured companions and many of them found their way to him in unusual and serendipitous ways, thus one of his favorite quotes: ""Heaven is the place where all of the dogs you have ever loved come running to greet you"". We take comfort in knowing he is watching over us now, surrounded by wagging tails.

James is survived by his wife of 48 years Carolyn Baker of Aurora, CO, Son Brian Baker (Heather) of Dubois, WY, Daughter Allison Krebs (Jeff) of Englewood, CO, Grandchildren Grace and Jack Krebs, Brothers Vernon Baker, Jr. (Patti), Lowell Baker (Holly), Walter Baker (Barbara), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Annella Baker.

James did not want a formal funeral, instead there will be a family celebration of life next summer and his ashes will be placed in the San Juan Mountains. Please consider leaving your favorite story or memory in the comments below, or email it to jfbbaess@gmail.com. We will be compiling a book of stories and memories for James's grandchildren and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in James's memory to one of two organizations.

To support the Littleton Public Schools Foundation elementary school STEM education programs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), please make checks payable to ""Littleton Public Schools Foundation"" with ""James Baker"" in the memo line and mail to: Littleton Public Schools Foundation, 5776 S. Crocker St., Littleton, CO 80120 or visit https://littletonpublicschools.net/lpsf/donate-now.

To support IBMPFD research at the University of California Irvine please make checks payable to ""UCI Foundation"" with ""James Baker"" in the memo line and mail to: UCI Health Advancement, Attn: Carley Fox, 333 City Boulevard West, Suite 605, Orange, CA 92868 or you may make a gift online at www.connect.uci.edu/IBMPFD Please make sure to complete the ""My gift is in memory or honor of someone"" section.