James Newton Baker July 25, 1938 – March 30, 2026

James Newton Baker, 87, of Southgate, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026.

He was born on July 25, 1938, in Big Pine, North Carolina, to Roy and Josephine Baker. At the age of five, James moved with his family to the Detroit area after his father landed a job there. The family initially settled in River Rouge and soon moved to Lincoln Park, where James graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 1956. He played the trombone in the school band and enjoyed playing many sports, especially baseball and basketball.

James married Dorothy Miller and together they had three children: David, Eva, and Steven. They raised their family in Taylor, Michigan.

He worked for Standard Oil Company, which later became Amoco and then BP, for 40 years. He was very active at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Park, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a Special Education Sunday School teacher. Later in life, he attended Gilead Baptist Church for many years. James continued his love of sports by playing softball well into his 60s. He also loved to golf and was a big Michigan football fan. He was a huge gospel music fan and also loved ABBA.

He will be remembered as a devoted father who found joy in his family, his faith, his church service, and the simple pleasures of sports, music, and time spent with loved ones. His patient and encouraging spirit touched many, especially through his teaching and community involvement.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Baker, children David (Susan), Eva, and Steven (Melissa); his grandchildren Fadra Baker, Emma Baker, Richard Baker, Amanda (Brad) Robinson, Kyle (Fran) Tomlinson, Aaron Tomlinson and Lindsey McCrea; and many dear friends from his church communities.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gilead Baptist Church or a special education organization in James' memory, or that you keep James and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Visitation will be Friday, April 3, 2026 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 3:30 p.m. All services located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 3880 Fort St. Lincoln Park, MI 48146.