James (Jim) D. Baker, age 86, of Fort Madison, IA, died Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Mason City, IA.

James was born May 26, 1939 in St. Edward, NE, son of Leonard and Ellen Greig Baker.

He was united in marriage to Verna J. Oakley on March 21, 1958 at the Chapel on the Thames Navel Base in New London, CT.

He grew up in Nebraska and Oregon, graduating from Canyon City HS in 1957.

Survivors include:  two daughters, Denise (Tom) Strohmayer of Mason City, IA; Crystal (Jeff) Bohnenkamp of Ft. Madison, IA; one son, Leonard Baker (Kristi Roach and her two children, Kay and Cole) of Ft. Madison, IA; eight grandchildren: Jacob Bohnenkamp of Ft. Madison, IA; Zachary (April) Bohnenkamp of Cedar Rapids, IA; Adam Kruse of Boynton Beach, FL; Matthew (Kaela) Kruse of Richfield, MN; Derek Kruse of Northfield, MN; Rachel (Nick) Saastad of Minneapolis, MN; Nathaniel Baker of Columbia, MO; and Dalton Baker of San Diego, CA; one brother, Fred (Terri) Hellbusch of Burns, OR; and three great granddaughters: Rory Jo, Maelyn, and Talia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna; his parents; two sisters, Marion (MaryAnn) Robinson and Meredith Larson; and brother Bill Hellbusch.

Jim and his family moved to Houghton, IA in 1972 where he was employed at Conrad American Grain Bin Co.  He retired from his position there as Vice President of Sales in 1997.  While a long time resident of Houghton, Jim served on the town council, served a term as mayor, headed the Houghton Ball Association, was a volunteer fireman, and a women's softball coach.

Jim and Verna retired in Missouri, finally settling in Kahoka, MO.  Jim and Verna were active members of the Kahoka Presbyterian Church, where Jim sang in the choir.  They also managed the local Clark County Food Pantry for many years.

Jim loved gardening, music, golf, playing cards, hockey, Nascar, and many dogs and cats, especially his final buddy, Moses.

Jim was a resident of the Kensington Assisted Living in Ft. Madison until Dec. 2025, at which time he moved to Mason City, IA to live with his daughter, Denise, until the time of his passing.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, with a Memorial Service to follow and begin at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Tony Keefe officiating.  Following the services at the funeral home, friends are invited to further celebrate Jim's life, by joining the family for a private gathering at Boozy Rae's, 622 7th Street,  Fort Madison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to PAWS Animal Shelter in Ft. Madison, IA.