James Wallace Baker

James Wallace Baker, age 87, widower of Lucille Aldridge Vitai Baker, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the home of his sister in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He was born on July 16, 1938, in Jessamine County, Kentucky, to the late Elias Wallace Baker and Mildred Puckett Baker. James is a retired employee of I.B.M. in Lexington, Kentucky, a member of New Hope Fellowship Church, and a United States Air Force Veteran. James loved his church, enjoyed singing, and loved to whistle and hum. He is survived by two sons, Billy Ray Baker (Barbara) and James Duane Baker, and a daughter, Cheryl Montgomery (Darryl), two grandchildren, Brandon Baker and Justin Baker. Additional survivors include his sisters, Melinda Johns (George), Bonnie S. Best, Elizabeth C. Spurlock (Jerry), two sisters-in-law, Margaret Baker and Mary Baker. He was preceded in death by a sister, Erneil Jean Baker, and four brothers, Robert B. Baker, Allen T. Baker, McKinley R. Baker, and Gary W. Baker. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at New Hope Fellowship Church with Pastor Richard Stipe officiating. The interment will follow in Camp Nelson National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Bearers will be Dylan Callihan, Michael Land, Brody Callihan, Connor Land, Mason Land, and Justin Bergeron. The visitation is scheduled to take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the church. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to provide support and services to the Baker family during this challenging time. Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com.