James Edward Baker

James Edward Baker

A Hilltown native who worked for the federal government, James Edward Baker helped people use their land while protecting the environment. He was instrumental in laying out the ski trails and jumps for the 1980 Winter Olympics in the Adirondacks.

He died on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. He was 76.

Known to his friends and family as “Jim,” Mr. Baker was born on July 14, 1939 to Walter and Isabel (née Quay) Baker. “He began his life ‘up on the Hill,’ where he proudly went to Berne-Knox School with his little brother, Robert ‘Bobby’ Baker,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Growing up on the Hill, he learned to appreciate all things nature had to offer from feeding the chickens to shooting a gun, taking out an elusive head of cabbage with said gun (those of you who knew Jim know that story).

“Jim met Dorothy Pelzer, they dated, visited Dorothy’s horse, ‘Spoke’ (pronounced and spelled Spooky, but Jim’s spelling was always a little special), dressed up as the King and Queen of Hearts (this was not the only time Dorothy got Jim to dress up in costume), and so much more,” his family wrote.

Mr. Baker graduated from Paul Smith’s College in 1959 with a degree in forestry. He continued to come home to visit Dorothy Pelzer during his college years until in July of 1961 when they married. From there, he went on to attend Cornell University.

During their time in Ithaca, they welcomed their first daughter, Amy Elaine Baker, and soon to follow, Betsy Lynne Baker. Mr. Baker graduated from Cornell with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. He then went to work for White Nurseries in Mecklenburg, New York as the nursery manager.

In 1965, he found employment with the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation in Ellicottville. The family moved to Franklinville. The next year, he gained a new position and the family moved to Johnstown in 1966.

Jim worked for the USDA for decades in a number of capacities and obtained promotions that brought him to Chestertown and Warrensburg, New York, where he held the position of Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator for many years until his retirement.

“During his time with the USDA, he helped hundreds of farmers, agriculturalists, environmentalists, villages, and towns to protect the environment while helping people to use their land to its fullest potential,” his family wrote. “He was very proud of the work he did, particularly his instrumental work in the Adirondacks for the 1980 Olympics, including laying out the cross-country ski trails, building and positioning the ski jump tower, and more.”

After retiring from his federal positions, Mr. Baker accepted a state position with the Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation Department of Ballston Spa. He was a key proponent for its annual tree and shrub sales where he continued to volunteer even after his retirement in 2006.  Mr. Baker continued to work through the retirement. He spent time working for the New York State Nursery, Brown’s Ford, and most importantly, “Baker’s Blueberries.”

At home in Johnstown, he served as a deacon and elder of the Johnstown Reformed Church. He also served as Supper Committee chairman with his “brother” Larry Lachmayer.

“Jim even has a closet at church known as ‘Jim’s Closet’ where he would squirrel away items for future fundraising events,” his family wrote. “The dynamic duo of Larry and Jim hooked up and managed the church suppers, went hunting, enjoyed square dancing and most regularly to play pinochle (with Ginger and Dorothy by their sides).”

Mr. Baker served for many years as an officer and member of the F, J & G Square Dance Club and Cross Trails of Canajoharie.

“As many of you are aware,” his family wrote, “Jim not only considers his blood relatives family, but has a large circle of friends he considers family as well. One of these brothers is Willie Fisher. Jim and Willie and their wives would build a friendship that would flourish over the years and even distance couldn’t pull apart. Jim and Willie shared their love of firearms, hunting of every sort, and so much more.

“‘Brothers’ that Jim held in his heart were: Larry Lachmayer, Jack Millard, John ‘Broffie’ Stortecky, Dick Rasmussen, Gary Frederick, Mark Franze, and Ken Coirin to name a few. This band of brothers shared some of Jim’s favorite things — hunting and fishing and telling of the stories about a buck or fish that got away. 

“Jim had a great love of people that was never-ending. He always believed, if we all worked together, we could do anything.

“Jim fought a valiant fight until the end, trying to be here for a certain little girl who was the apple of his eye. But alas, he will now be the guardian angel that will help her through the end of her days, guaranteed.”

****

James Edward Baker is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Pelzer Baker, of Johnstown; his brother, Robert “Bobby” A. Baker and wife, Catherine, of Duntocher, Scotland; his daughters, Amy E. Baker and John Smith of Voorheesville, and Betsy L. Martineau and Lance of Delanson; his grandsons Zachery James Martineau of Schenectady and Christopher W. Putman and Kelley of Jacksonville, North Carolina; and the one very adoring, apple of her grandfather’s eye, wind-around-the-finger, “Punkin” granddaughter, Taylor Elaine Martineau of Delanson; great-grandsons Brady, Keegan, Quinn, and Sullavan Putman of Jacksonville, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Jane Pelzer of Saratoga; brother- and sister-in-law, Richard and Sandy Pelzer of Middlegrove; his nephews and niece Morgan Baker and Elaine of Duntocher, Scotland, Jason Pelzer and Gemma of Tenafly, New Jersey, Meredith Saltsman and Lyman of Delanson, Michael Pelzer of Washington, D.C.; and his great-niece and nephew Alice Pelzer and Clayton Saltsman.

His parents, Walter and Isabel Baker, died before him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main St. in Altamont. A celebration of his life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Johnstown Reformed Church, 351 North Perry Street, Johnstown, NY 12095.

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