James "Jimmy" Baker

James “Jimmy” Harold Baker departed this life on June 2, 2022, with his family by his side in Little Rock.

Baker, as he was commonly referred to, was born on July 11, 1950, in Newport, to Lola and William Baker.  Baker attended Arkansas State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served four years during the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia.  Baker returned stateside as an Office of Special Investigations officer.  Baker worked for the Federal Prison system before returning to Newport, where he worked for Southwestern Bell (AT&T) for over 30 years.  Baker served his community for over 25 years as an officer with Newport Police Department and later as the City Inspector before officially retiring to spend his days with his dogs, Sissy and Maggie, while drinking cold Dr. Peppers.

Baker is survived by his wife of 27 years, Melissa “Lisa” Baker; sons, Ryan Baker (Denise) and Owen “Craig” Baker (Fashima); daughters, Cassie Coffey and Sara Crabtree (Cade); and 5 granddaughters (Jazlyn Baker, Addison Baker, Ava Baker, Lynna Coffey, and Chesney Crabtree) and 1 grandson to carry on his name, Mitchell James Baker. Baker also leaves behind several aunts and uncles. Baker was preceded in death by his parents, Lola and William, and brother, Scotty Lynn Baker.

At his request, no service will be held.

Baker held two charitable organizations in high regards, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Rowe-Weatherford Scholarship Memorial Fund, established in honor of Patrick Weatherford, a fallen Newport Police Lieutenant.  Mail memorial to: Rose-Weatherford Scholarship Memorial Fund, Attn: ASP Captain Kyle Drown, 2700 W. Main Street, Clarksville, Arkansas 72730.  Please put in the memo in “Memory of James Baker”,

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205.

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