James H (Jim) Baker was born on October 26th, 1942, in Watertown, SD to Herbert Baker and Marion (Conley) Baker. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at Dougherty Hospice House on October 28th, 2024.

The visitation will be at Miller Funeral Home – Southside 7400 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday the 7th of November. There will be a prayer service at 6PM with further fellowship following the service. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 3601 E Dudley Ln, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 at 10:00 AM Friday November 8th, 2024 followed by a luncheon and fellowship. Interment will follow at 1 PM, November 8th, 2024 at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, located at 25965 477th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 with full military honors.

Jim attended school in Watertown, SD, graduating from High School in 1960. Go Arrows! After which, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany during the Cold War. He served with distinction in an artillery unit as a company clerk, finishing out as an E5 with many letters of commendation from his superior officers. After his honorable discharge from service, he returned stateside to attend Mankato State College in Mankato, Minnesota. In three years, majoring in three areas of study he received his diploma and he began his work career as a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance. Jim later obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota in 1971. After a 30-year career with Western Surety/CNA Surety he retired as Senior Claims Counsel.

Jim loved to volunteer and help whenever he could. He served many years at the Banquet, St. Francis House and the Avera Cancer Center. He also served on the allocations committee for the Sioux Falls United Way. Jim was selected to be on the City of Sioux Falls Mayor's Committee for people with disabilities, prior to the creation of the ADA.

His service clubs include Morning Optimists, Sioux Falls Jaycees, BPoE (Elks), the American Legion, and the El Riad Shrine. He genuinely enjoyed his time and was involved with various organizations within the Shrine, in particular the Oriental Band and Road Runners and he also served as chaplain for the organization.  Jim thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Holy Spirit Catholic church, where he was often found washing the dishes.

Jim and Cele (Cadieux) met on a blind date at the Char Bar in Vermillion, SD. He was a third-year law student, and she was a senior in her undergraduate program. It seemed (and remained to be) a match made in heaven. He married the love of his life on February 6th, 1971, in Sioux Falls, SD. Upon Jim's graduation they moved from Vermillion, SD to Sioux Falls, SD. They welcomed two children into their family, Matthew James, and Julie Anne. Jim enjoyed being actively involved in his children's lives. Jim and Cele were avid travelers, both domestic and abroad. Significant money was spent buying new golf balls as they visited many golf courses across the United States and Canada.  When not traveling or golfing the couple could be found on the dance floor.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years Cele; son, Matthew (wife Deb Husby) Baker; daughter, Julie (Lew Bowles) Newton; granddaughter, Ellie Grace Newton and her best friend/Papa's chosen granddaughter, Nicole Harp; sister, Connie (Craig) Swarthout; brother-in-law, Tim Cadieux; brother-in-law, James Van Osdel; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, John.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Feeding South Dakota or Meals on Wheels.