Clinton James Baker (Jim), formerly of Wellsboro, PA and Port Allegany, PA, passed away at the UPMC Hospital, Carlisle, PA, with his wife by his side, on January 6, 2025.

Jim was born November 14, 1946 in Bradford, PA, the son of the late Clinton L. and Naomi Jamieson Baker. On December 16, 1966, he married the love of his life Darlene Anderson, who survives. He and Darlene went to her senior prom together in 1965 at Port Allegany High School.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

After graduating from Port Allegany High School, class of 1964, he worked for Merle Johnson with Cart-Care Corp. In December, 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy with three school buddies, Cyril Bowser, Mike Coneys and the late Lloyd Daniels and served a 3-year tour of duty. He completed basic training in the freezing cold of Chicago, Il and it was a real growing up experience in his life. On March 16, 1966, he reported aboard the U.S.S. Orion, a submarine supply and repair ship stationed in Norfolk, VA. He began his work there in the Interior Communications Shop. After being in the shop for four months, he went to Electricity and Electronics School in Chicago for 18 weeks and then reported back to the U.S.S. Orion. The ship was sent to Cuba for a shake-down cruise, which means they had to run the ship full throttle for three weeks to make sure everything worked well on the ship. During his remaining two years, the ship went on short cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia; New York City; and Key West, FL. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 13, 1968 with the rank of IC-3. He always felt lucky because his schooling and training in the military helped him earn a job with Commonwealth Telephone Company (CTC) in Wellsboro, PA. He worked at CTC as an installer and switchman for 33 years, retiring at the age of 55.

Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and great-grandchild and was especially proud of them. Throughout their married life, he and Darlene vacationed every summer with their children, including at least a week each summer on a fishing trip to Canada’s White Lake. In 2017, he and Darlene took a 44-day dream vacation driving out west, traveling 10,300 miles and visiting 12 national parks.

Jim loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially Nascar and the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs and if it was a random NFL game, he always cheered for the underdog. He was a friend to everyone and couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. He was a great conversationalist and had a wonderful sense of humor.

He was a member of Sartwell Creek Union Church in Port Allegany, PA and was currently attending the Church of the Brethren in Newville, PA.

Left to cherish his memory along with his wife are their two children that God blessed them with: Marilyn (Mark) Bellesfield of East Berlin, PA and Duane (Janet) Baker of Surprise AZ, and five grandchildren: Daniel (Linsey Altland), David, and Lauren Bellesfield and Kevin (Arlinda) Baker and Kiana Carroll, a niece Wendy (John) Cleveland and a nephew Derek (Crystal) Judlin, sister-in-law Chris (Rod) Drabert, brother-in-law Rex Kio, sister-in-law Mary Farrell and nieces/nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother Curtis (Corky) Baker in 1964, his sister Celia Baker Kio in 2020, and his brother-in-law James Anderson in 2020.

Jim was a very kind and thoughtful man. We, his family, feel privileged that he was our husband, our Dad, our Grandpa, our uncle. We already miss the joy, the laughter and the love he gave us.

There will be a Service of Remembrance at the Church of the Brethren in Newville, PA on January 25 at 11:00 a.m. with his Pastor John Hess officiating. Also, there will be a celebration of Jim’s life on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Sartwell Creek Union Church, 980 Sartwell Creek Rd., Port Allegany, PA with visitation from 1:00 -2:00 followed by a Service of Celebration of Jim’s Life. Pastor Allen Long will be officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.

The family has entrusted Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home, Port Allegany, with his care. Online condolences: hartletarboxfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions may be made to Sartwell Creek Union Church, 980 Sartwell Creek Rd., Port Allegany, PA 16743 or to an organization of your choice.