James Herman Baker, 80, of Rochester, passed away on November 30, 2017 at Heritage Hospice in Springfield.

James was born on February 6, 1937 in Springfield, the son of John and Margaret (Jayne) Baker. He married Patricia Allison on May 28, 1961.

James retired from the State of Illinois Department of CMS and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. James loved to spend with his family and loved to laugh. He enjoyed gardening, planting and growing fruit trees, camping, traveling and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tom Baker; one nephew, Jason Baker; one sister-in-law, Beverly Ruth; and one brother-in-law, Mick Ruth.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; three daughters Christina (Jeff Dickel) Orlando, Katherine (Steve) House, and Karen Racki; three grandchildren, Nicholas and Holly Eyrich, and Aaron Racki; one brother, John (Kay) Baker; one sister Eileen LeMasters and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to Heritage Health for the professional and compassionate care they received during James' stay, and also to the Rochester Fire and EMS, as well as Medics First Ambulance for their services throughout the years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester.  Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Organ Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.