James Marlow Baker

James Marlow Baker was born April 30, 1960, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, son of Wendell and Lois Rennie Baker. James passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in the early hours of Christmas morning, December 25, 2022. We’re grateful that he is now free from the physical and mental challenges he dealt with his entire lifetime and was able to be reunited with his mom and dad for Christmas.

James participated in Special Education programs and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1979. The highlight of his high school experience was serving as the manager of the football team for three years. He always had the entire football team protecting and watching out for him.

After high school, James worked at Deseret Industries and the Development Workshop where he learned skills and was able to work in various settings. In 1989, he started working at Pizza Hut where he worked for over 25 years.

James loved sports. He was especially good at basketball and would practice shooting for hours. He played in the Special Olympics from his early teen years until as recently as several years ago. Those watching were often surprised at his ability to make baskets from nearly anywhere on the court. In one competition in Pocatello, he was taken out of the game because he was scoring too many points. He was a big fan of the Utah Jazz, the Denver Broncos, the Dallas Cowboys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the BYU Cougars. His favorite pastime was watching games on TV, whether it was basketball, football, or baseball. He could always tell you about the players and scores of teams from all over the country.

James loved being able to travel. His favorite trips included Branson, Disneyland and Disneyworld, and multiple cruises with family members. He also loved going down to Utah to spend time visiting with family.

James was actively involved with the Adventure Center and Journeys where he developed many close relationships and enjoyed participating in daily activities and outings.

James is survived by siblings, Larry Baker (Chris) of Port Orchard, Washington, Steven Baker (Brenda) of Kaysville, Utah, and Carol Christensen (John) of South Jordan, Utah; and eight nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Sarah and Todd Perkes and their family for their love and tender care and for making James feel like part of their family.

Funeral services will be held at Wood Funeral Home, 963 S. Ammon Road in Ammon, Idaho, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.