James A. Baker Jr.
December 23, 1953 ~ January 26, 2024
James “Jim” Baker, Jr. of Abilene, Kansas passed away surrounded by those who loved him at Village Manor Nursing Home on 01/26/2024. Jim survived cortical basal degenerative disease years past expectations lifespan partly due to the care he received from his children, son-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as Dickinson County Home Health. He was known to walk multiple times day throughout the park with his dog Tony, searching for treasures keeping him active. He loved to visit with those who brought his meals on wheels each day as well. Jim never met a stranger and always spoke to those who passed him. He was a KC Chiefs and K-State Wildcats fan!
Jim was born on 12/23/1953, in Salina, KS to James Baker Sr. and Joy Koerner. Jim spent his adult life following in his stepfather Ron’s career path of a meat cutter/market manager at Dillons where Jim served since the early 1970’s. Jim did open Augusta Meat and Deli Shop in the 1990’s prior to him returning back to Dillons where he eventually retired.
Jim spent his retirement years in Abilene close to his children attending his grandchildren’s activities watching his granddaughters Shaylee and Malee’ dance, sing and be sassy. His grandson Lockett loved watching the black and white westerns with his Grandpa. Grandpa didn’t mind sitting in the summer heat watching Shaylee and Lockett play ball too. Jim had recently learned to FaceTime with his youngest granddaughter, Norah watching her grow and babble about her day.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother Joy Koerner, step father Ron Koerner, and sister Tracy Wines, his Grandma Grace who was so special to him he bought his first house next door to her! He is survived by his father James Baker, Sr. and wife Rosie Enid, OK. Sisters Cory Baker, Sherry Baker both of Augusta, KS. Brothers Mitch Koerner Derby, KS, Donnie Koerner of Hays, KS.His favorite son, Stace Baker and his wife Sarah of Clay Center, KS. Daughter aka his own “Nurse” Sherree’ and her husband, Jim’s “Tech Man” Curtis Osland of Abilene, KS. Daughter, “hoghead” Alexa and son in law Jeff Nathan of Maryland.
Jim has “big” grandchildren too, Samantha and her husband Jeremy Nunweiler as well as 2 great grandchildren of Abilene, KS. Adam Osland and Jasmine Seiler of Manhattan, KS. He was very proud of his children and shared that with them even in his final days. He always taught us kids to work hard as he enjoyed traveling and the only way to travel is to work hard.
As a family of our Dad we would like to thank Dr. Holmes, DK County Hospice and specifically all of the staff of hall 5 at Village Manor for the love and care you gave our Dad over the past several months and the care you gave us as we navigate this journey.
Funeral service will be Friday February 2nd, 2024 at 10am, Danner Funeral Home in Abilene, KS. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Augusta, KS. Memorials contributions may be given for the future Hospice Room at Village Manor. Other memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels of Dickinson County.