Born in Southampton, NY on August 21, 1937, 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.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City. Friends may call from 11:00 – 1:00 PM before the service. Rev. Olin Shockley will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. A donation in his memory may be made to: Children’s House by the Sea, 13 66th St. Ocean City, MD 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.