James E. Baker

NORWAY — James E. Baker, 87, of Norway passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2013 at his residence.

He was born in Alfred on Nov. 9, 1925, a son of E. Arthur Baker and Hazel Proctor Durant.

Jim graduated from West Paris High School in 1943 and served two years in the Air Force Cadets during which time he attended the Air Force Cadet School. Upon his discharge, he participated in many jobs, including working in the woods, delivering ice, mining feldspar, production work at Oxford Paper Co., selling Grossman Homes and owning the West Paris General Store.

He married Carolyn Nevers on June 21, 1953, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 21.

Jim returned to school at Gorham Teachers College, where he earned a bachelor’s of science and master’s degree in education. He taught social studies and psychology at Oxford Hills High School from 1966 to 1989.

He loved the outdoors: camping, hunting and fishing. He and Carolyn made five trips to Alaska.

He was a member of Oxford County Retired Educators, Stone-Smart Legion, Oxford County Shrine Club, W.P. Masonic Club, Second Congregational Church in Norway, Maine Association of Retirees, Weary Club and a life member of NEA.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Nevers) Baker; daughters, Pamela Brodis of Hope, Carol Baker Roux of Lyman and Debra Ladner of Harrison; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Thurlow of Woodstock and Christine Kennison of Harrison; brothers, Larry Baker of Voluntown, Conn. and Leon Baker of Norway; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the Second Congregational Church in Norway, followed by graveside services at 1 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Watson Road, Norway.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Second Congregational Church’s Kitchen Fund, P.O. Box 164, Norway, ME 04268 or Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Arrangements by Oxford Hills & Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford.