SFC (Ret.) Johnny James Baker

May 25, 1941 - March 15, 2018

SFC (Retired) Johnny James Baker was called from earthly labor to heavenly reward late Friday night at Agape Hospice House in Columbia. Born May 25, 1941, in Cadiz, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Johnnie C. and Levi Rogers Baker. Educated in the public school system of Kentucky, Johnny graduated from Cripus Attucks High School in Hopkinsville as a member of the Class of 1959. Johnny proudly his nation in the United States Army, retiring after more than twenty years of service. After his military service, Johnny continued to serve his country, spending several years as a federal civilian employee (MEPS) before retiring and entering state employee with the Richland One School District before finally retiring to enjoy his golden years. Johnny was united in holy matrimony to the former Thelma Lee Wright of Newport News, Virginia. Their union was blessed with three children. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife Thelma and his stepbrother, Norris Crete Baker. Johnny leaves to cherish precious memories a loving daughter, Cassandra Baker (Robert) Belcher of Columbia; two sons: Johnny Leon (Lawahid) Baker of Kuwait and Kevin Jerome (Maureen) Baker of Marina Del Ray, CA; four grandchildren: Justin James Baker of Greenville, Kevin T. Baker, Channing Marie Baker, both of Marina Del Rey, and Anastasia Baker of Kuwait; three brothers: Tommy Lee (Georgette) Baker of East Chicago, IN, Jimmy Lee (Marsha) Baker, and Robert Douglas Baker, both of Nashville, TN; four sisters: Catherine Baker (Jimmy) Zellner of Hopkinsville, Emma Jane (Joseph) Webb, Susie Mae (Price) Martin, both of Nashville, and Rotressa Baker (Ernest) Yelling of Goodlettsville, TN; two aunts: Pearline Weaver of Hopkinsville and Martha Waddlington of Nashville; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Hardy Handz Foundation PO Box 24806 Columbia, SC 29224.