James Taylor Baker

With profound sorrow and heartfelt love, we announce the passing of James Taylor Baker, age 18, of Midland, Texas. James was born on September 17, 2007, in Midland, Texas, to Phillip T. Baker and the late Stephanie E. Baker.

James was the kind of person who made the world brighter simply by being in it. His larger-than-life smile could light up a room, and his laugh was even bigger. He was annoyingly loud in everything he did. From talking, to eating, to simply walking you knew he was there because you heard him coming. In the same breath, he was also quiet but busy. He was constantly moving and could never sit still. He had a quirky personality that drew people in immediately. There was something special about James-his silliness, his humor, and his genuine kindness made people want to be around him.

James loved Spider-Man and superheroes and could spend hours creating stop-motion movies or redesigning by painting or taking pieces apart with his many action figures. James spent countless hours and every dime he had finding action figures. It did not matter where James went; he was always on the hunt for a new action figure.

James was 18 years old and was starting to plan for his future life as a young adult. He planned to move out and get an apartment with his best friend, Edgar. They were very close and complemented each other's personalities. Where Edgar would struggle, James brought out the best in him, and where James struggled, Edgar encouraged him to try new things.

When it comes to love, James had the biggest heart. His girlfriend, Alexa, was the love of his life. They had shared interests and spent every waking minute together or on the phone. He loved her and her family very much and would do anything for them.

James wasn't blessed with a traditional family life, but it was one of the most important things to him. Family was never defined by blood, it was about showing up and being present with those who loved him. His love for family was unreal. Children were naturally drawn to him and even though he was nervous with babies, he welcomed the love of littles without hesitation.

More than anything, James loved his dog, Sora. The bond they shared was extraordinary. It would be hard to imagine any human loving a dog more than James loved Sora. They were inseparable companions, and his face would light up whenever he talked about her.

James was one of the most polite young men you could ever meet. There was not a rude bone in his body. He treated everyone with respect, kindness, and consideration. He had a gentle heart and a genuine goodness that could not be taught-it was simply who he was. He made people feel welcome, valued, and cared for.

His love for animals, his endless creativity, his goofy sense of humor, and his kind spirit will be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to know him. James leaves behind a legacy of joy, compassion, and authenticity. He showed us that being kind is a strength, that imagination is a gift, and that a life does not have to be long to make a lasting impact.

James was preceded in death by his loving mother, Stephanie E. Baker; his grandparents, Jim Hurren, Amelia "Nana" Hurren, and H.T. Baker; and his brother, Messiah Davis Baker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Benita Baker; grandparents, Patricia and Mickey Wright; his father, Phillip T. Baker, and mother, Ola Baker; his bonus mothers, Angela Turley and Hilary Turley; and his loving siblings, Aria, Adrian, Tristan, Aidrik, Anastasia, Gavin, Az'Alea, and Aerik.

James is also lovingly remembered by his big brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Gaona; special family friends, Ric and Sherry Vera; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and classmates.

James will always be remembered for his huge smile, his bigger laugh, his love of superheroes, his devotion to Sora, and the kindness that defined every part of who he was.