Hon. James Anthony Baker's Obituary
BAKER, THE HONORABLE JAMES A. Born March 30, 1931 in Evansville, IN and passed away June 22, 2008 in Dallas, TX. Justice Baker graduated from Highland Park High School in 1949. He attended Rice University. James graduated with a B.B.A. Degree in 1953 from SMU. After serving 2 years in the U.S. Army, he returned to Dallas and graduated from SMU School of Law with an L.L.B. in 1958. On November 30, 1956 James married Clauda Carroll. Prior to his judicial service, Justice Baker practiced general civil litigation law from 1958-1986. He was a frequent writer and speaker on legal topics. James served 9 years with distinction on the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas. In 1995 he was then Governor George W. Bush’s 1st Judicial Appointment to the Texas Supreme Court. During his tenure there he was regarded as a thoughtful and fair jurist. Justice Baker thoroughly enjoyed his Court Family. His former briefing attorneys and assistant Linda Smith remained good friends. He retired from the Court in 2002 and joined The Hughes & Luce Law Firm (now K&L Gates) with offices in Austin and Dallas. Justice Baker’s many accolades include Distinguished Alumni Awards from Highland Park High School, SMU Dedman School of Law and SMU. In 2001 he was named Judge of the Year by The American Board of Trial Advocates, TX Chapter. The ABOTA also named him Outstanding Civil Jurist Dallas Chapter in 1993. His professional memberships include The American Bar Association, The Dallas Bar Association and the Austin Bar Association. He was a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and a Fellow Texas Bar Foundation and The Dallas Bar Foundation. He enjoyed giving back to his profession by helping with many Moot Courts at several Universities. Membership in the Robert W. Calvert American Inn of Courts and William Mac Taylor Inn of Court were meaningful to him. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas and The U.S. Supreme Court. Jaim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Justice Baker was an active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church where he served as Sunday School Teacher and as a member of the Session for many years. He was an avid bird hunter and fly fisherman. His Colorado cabin on the Rio Grande was his favorite retreat. Justice Baker was greatly loved and respected. We will miss him. Survived by his wife, Clauda Baker; daughters, Carroll Baker Moore and husband L. Drake Moore, Catherine Baker Lassetter; grandchildren, Emily Catherine Lassetter, David Baker Lassetter and Madison Carroll Moore; sister, Elsa Baker Kraus; brother-in-law Douglas Kraus; sister-in-law Betty Barringer and husband Van; niece Dr. Laurie Kraus; nephews Bill and wife Sandra Carroll; Jon Carroll and wife Elka; niece Caroline Carroll; grand nieces and nephews Gillian Kraus-Neale, Olivia and Nola Carroll, Alex and Rowan Baker Carroll.
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