James "Jim" Russell Baker

James Russell Baker age 29 was born in Hampton Roads, VA. He is survived by parents James J Baker of Collins Center, NY and Jane Elwood of Huntington, WV and sister Jessica Baker of West Valley NY, Fiancé Brianna Williams and by many loving family members; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and step-family. Jim was born on August 26th, 1991. As an infant Jim was diagnosed with rare condition that caused blindness. His family wholeheartedly strived to give Jim an enriched life. We knew early on Jim was special and blessed with many talents. Along Jim’s journey he became the best big brother, brilliant student, loving family member, and a person of faith. As Jim grew it became evident that he possessed an exceptional intellect, which served as a valuable key to unlocking his world. Jim picked up concepts at an astonishing pace. He participated in programs at CMU, RIT and John Hopkins and was awarded a full scholarship at the University of Rochester. He thrived in these academic environments. It was during his time at the U of R that Jim that physical and mental health challenges emerged. Making his accomplishment of graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Technology and Environmental Science all the more inspiring.

Finding employment was extremely difficult. But Jim’s persistence led him to find a job as an IT professional, a job that ended due to a cut in funding. Family, friends, and strangers rallied around Jim but too often Jim’s experiences highlighted how our world struggles to embrace diversity, leading to barriers with occupation, socialization and denies or limits many talented individuals the chance to contribute greatly to our society.

About 6 years ago he received Newton, a service dog, from Leader Dogs for the Blind. Jim and Newton were a great team. Jim loved to walk and Newton was a great companion. In May of this year Jim and Newton achieved their goal of walking 1 million steps.

Jim tried valiantly to make this world work for him and ultimately it did not, but he worked hard for it. Jim was most impressive for his kindheartedness, patience, and courageousness far surpassed his IQ and these are the traits we will cherish the most.

We enjoyed his humorous spirit and still had many good times with him accompanied by support from family and friends. Sadly, his mental illness was unrelenting. This was extremely painful for all of us and especially conflicting for Jim. We shared many memorable days together. Jim returned from a trip to Virginia to see his Fiancée on Monday the 24th, he was as happy as we had seen him in a long time. We take comfort knowing that he left this world during happier times.

We are truly grateful knowing that Jim passed away in his sleep, loved and at home with family. His courage remained strong to live as full of a life as possible, always. He passed on Wednesday 8/26 on his 29th birthday which will serve as a powerful reminder to celebrate his life.

Jim was the most courageous person that we have known. He had so many obstacles set in his path but remained a sweet, thoughtful, caring and loving person his entire life. He took on many challenges and so often overcame them.

Jim was an incredible son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, and fiancé to Brianna.

We will always be grateful for the time we had with him and the family, friends, and community that encouraged him.

We had set out to enrich his life and it turned out he was the one that enriched our lives beyond measure.

Newton was a huge part in Jim’s life, a wonderful companion that facilitated adventure and minimized the limitations blindness caused. He also advocated for himself and others for a multitude of causes. It’s for all the reasons above that we, Jim’s Family, would like to request donations to be considered for Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester Hills, Michigan, https://www.leaderdog.org/donate

or National Alliance of Mental Health Institute (NAMI) https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Donate-to-NAMI in honor of Jim’s life and memory.

We share our story to increase awareness and communication about the positives and negatives that may possibly exist with disability and mental health issues.

Thank you,

Jim Baker, Jane Elwood, Jessica and Family

Funeral Services were held at 1:00 pm Sunday, September 6th, 2020, at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, VA, with Visitation taking place 1 hour prior to service.