Garden City- Rev James E. Baker, 84, died on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Hays Medical Center in Hays. Father Jim was born on April 4, 1937 in Erie, PA, where he grew up the second of three sons born to Robert and Genevieve Baker. He completed grade school at St. George School in Erie in June of 1951. On September 14, 1951 he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum at Columbus, Ohio where he completed high school, college and four years of graduate school in theology. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City in St. Thuribius Chapel at the Josephinum on May 25, 1963 by Archbishop Egidio Vaggnozzi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States at the time. Father Jim’s first priestly assignment was assistant at St. Anthony Church, Liberal (1963-1965); subsequently assistant at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Dodge City (1965-1969); assistant at St. John the Evangelist, Hoisington (1969-1970). Father Jim was appointed to his first pastorate at St. Helen, Hugoton and St. Alphonsus, Satanta in 1970 and he served there until 1980 when be became pastor of St John the Evangelist, Hoisington (1980-1984).

At the request of Bishop Stanley G. Schlarman, in August 1984 Father Baker entered graduate school in Canon Law at St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. After receiving a licentiate degree in June 1986 Father Jim returned to the diocese where he served as Chancellor and later as Vicar General until October 1990. While assigned to the Chancery Office Father Jim also served as pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Windthorst along with St. George, Bucklin and St Joseph, Greensburg (1986-1990). For a few months (Jan-May, 1990) he also served as Temporary Administrator of St. Mary’s, Hodgeman County.

In October 1990, primarily to be closer to his seriously ill parents, Father Baker accepted an assignment as Associate Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dunedin, Florida. His father died November 22, 1990 and his mother died April 13, 1991 and Father Jim returned to the Diocese of Dodge City where he was appointed Judicial Vicar for the Diocese and also served very briefly (April-June 1991) as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Cathedral before being assigned as pastor at Holy Rosary, Medicine Lodge and St. John, Kiowa (1991-1993). He was appointed pastor at St. Lawrence, Jetmore, St. Anthony, Hanston and Holy Rosary, Burdett (1993-1997). He was appointed pastor of St. Mary, Garden City (1997-2006). He also served as priest supervisor at St. Alphonsus, Satanta (2002-2006). Father Jim retired from being the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese and pastor of St. Mary’s effective November 20, 2006. In retirement he continued to serve as judge on the Diocesan Tribunal as well as a judge on the Tribunal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Washington, D.C.

Not only was Father Baker privileged to serve the Church as a Priest and Canon Lawyer he also served the youth of Southwest Kansas by his activity in Santa Fe Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America. He began his volunteer work in scouting in 1963, serving as the treasurer of the newly formed Pack 47, sponsored by St. Anthony Church in Liberal. In February 1971 he became scoutmaster of Troop 188, at Rotary sponsored troop in Hugoton. Over the years he has served as District Chairman in all three districts of the council: (Cimarron River, Liberal, High Plains, Dodge City and Buffalo Range, Garden City). On November 15, 1975 he received the District Award of Merit. Having completed the national requirements of Woodbadge Courses, NC-129 as a member of the Owl Patrol, he served on the staff of many other Woodbadge courses and in 1994 he was asked to serve as Scoutmaster of Woodbadge Course C 11 L-94. He also served on the Executive Board of the Santa Fe Trail Council beginning in 1972. On January 20, 1980 the Diocese of Dodge City presented him with the St. George Award. On March 7, 1981 the Council presented him with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a Boy Scouts of America Council can give a volunteer scouter.

Father Jim loved to travel. He has vacationed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, his favorite being the coast of Oregon and the coast of Maine and the state of Alaska. He traveled to Europe twice, concentrating the first time on Austria and second on Italy (Rome). He was in Canada many times, living there for two years (1984-1986). He spent many most enjoyable times at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch, Walsenburg, Colorado and went every summer for a week or more to Southwest Colorado in the Durango area. He also enjoyed many cruises to Mexico, Alaska, through the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii. In retirement Father Jim enjoyed his work at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City as a driver and evening attendant.

He is survived by 2 Sisters-In-Law- Barbara Baker of Fredericksburg, VA and Patricia Baker of Edinboro, PA, 5 Nephews- Robert, Michael, James, Mark & Joseph, 2 Nieces- Kathleen and Dr. Christina Marie, and 6 Grand Nieces and 5 Grand Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents and 2 Brothers- Robert Baker and Dr. Ronald Baker.

Vigil Service will be at 7:00 PM Thursday and Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Friday both at St Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P M Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. Memorials are suggested to St Mary Catholic Church or Santa Fe Trail Council BSA in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com