James Burton Baker, Sr. ”Big Bake” age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin. Born in Southampton, NY, he was the son of the late Cyrus and Betsey Taylor Baker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Aydelotte Baker, and sister, Susan Taylor Baker. He is survived by his son, James B. Baker, Jr. and his wife Lynne of Bishopville, grandson Austin James Baker.

Big Bake was a 1955 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. During the summer he worked beach stands in Ocean City, where he rented surf mats and umbrellas. After graduation, he worked for Wainwright’s Tire Center in Berlin, and the Berlin Police Department. He retired after 30 plus years, with the Ocean City Police Department. He was a member of the Redman’s Lodge, Ocean City Fire Company (Gold Badge), and F.O.P. Lodge 10, and the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City. Bake was a much loved and well respected member of the community. You would be hard put to find a local who couldn’t tell you a story about him.