James Michael "Mike" Baker, age 69, died on March 1, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. He was born on March 28, 1953 in Tulsa, OK to parents Bud and Gertrude Baker. He graduated from Tulsa Edison High School and furthered his education at Oklahoma University and ultimately graduated from the University of Tulsa obtaining a degree in marketing and economics. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Tulsa and was a Fourth (Patriotic) Degree Knight of Knights of Columbus.
On April 26, 1980, he married Rebecca Denise "Becky" Baine at the Church of Saint Mary in Tulsa, OK.
Mike was a strong man of faith and his family was the world to him. He enjoyed target shooting, hunting, golf, music, hanging out at the pool, tinkering on his vintage Oldsmobile and gardening. He had a pretty good green thumb.
Family and friends will always remember Mike as fun loving and quick witted. Always a smile on his face. He enjoyed meeting and talking with people and made friends everywhere he went. He had an adventurous life. He traveled with Leon Russell as a roadie between his time at OU and TU. During this time he met and worked with many different musicians and bands. He had quite a few interesting stories he was always eager to tell to anyone who would listen.
Mike is survived by his wife Becky of 43 years, daughters Jessica Baker-Collins (Kyle Collins) of Broken Arrow and Paige Baker (Michael Brumley) of Jenks. Granddaughters Spencely and Reece Collins, sisters Sara Fagan (Kevin Fagan) Dallas, TX and Susan Bolerjack (Gerald Bolerjack) Broken Arrow. Pets Ellie, Jake, Georgia and Dottie. Numerous brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Elizabeth Baker, parents Bud and Gertrude Baker, and in-laws Tony and Dorothy Baine.
Mike loved well and was well loved by many.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at Saint Bernard's Catholic Church. Visitation is Wednesday March 8, 2023 at 5:00 pm with Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm-held at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association and Anthem Service Dogs.