Obituary of James D. Baker, sr.

     Mr. James D. Baker, Sr., 62, of Utica, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 with his loving family by his side.

     James was born in Utica, on August 22, 1957, the son of Albert and Margaret (Greico) Baker.  He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Proctor High School.  On August 30, 1986, Jim was united in marriage with Mary J. Oliver, a loving and devoted union of 33 years.  For 38 years, Jim was employed as a tug boat Captain with the NY State Canal Corp.  Jim enjoyed fishing, dancing, listening to music and had a “green thumb” when it came to tending to his flower garden.  He was also an avid NASCAR, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins fan and a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in Utica.  Jim will be remembered as a loving and devoted, husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and friend, whose life was centered around his family. 

     Mr. Baker is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his mother, Margaret Baker of Utica; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Tanya and Gary Griffith of N. Utica, Mary Kay Vatalaro of Clinton and Tammy and Chris Stevens of Clinton; two sons, James D. Baker, Jr. and Christina Borruso of N. Utica and John Baker of Utica; 14 cherished grandchildren, Gary, Alex, Khloe, Addison, Michael, Michael, Gianna, Michael, Vincent, Darien, Gabriella, Luciana, Juliana and Tatiana; one adored great grandchild, Alex, Jr.; two sisters, Rene Light and Linda Leaf of Utica and Michele Sbiroli of Utica; one brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Laura Baker of N. Utica; In-Laws, Patricia and Don Brunet, Jacqueline Campese, David Valentine and his fiancée, Tarri, Barbara and John Gwilt and Jim and Betty McGinley and nieces and nephews, Erica, Steven, Rob, Shelly, Deanna, Mike, Wendy, Donnie, Johnnie, Jamie and Kathy.  He was predeceased by his father, Albert and nephew, Jason. 

     Mr. Baker’s funeral will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 11:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church 422 Tilden Ave., Utica.  His Rite of Committal and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.  Calling hours for family and friends are Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. 

     James’ family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the 2nd floor staff and administrative team at the Pines at Utica, for the excellent care and comfort you provided to our beloved husband and father during his last months.