John Raymond Baker, 86 formerly of Jeromesville died Friday December 26,

2014 at Brethren Care Village.  He was born November 16, 1928 in Ashland

Co. the son of Donald R. and Ola Higginbotham Baker.  He was a 1947 graduate

of Jeromesville High School and a member of Maple Grove Church of

the Brethren.  John worked at Mansfield Tire for 12 years and Columbia Gas

for 30 years.  He was known as the blue bird man, and had 80 boxes of blue

birds that he took care of.  John had a featured article in Bird & Bloom.  He

loved horses as a teenager and had a horse named Champ.

He is survived by two sons, Jeff (Debbie) Baker of Wooster and Steve (Vickie)

Baker of Raleigh, NC, 4 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and a brother,

Frank Baker of Jeromesville.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his

wife, Alda Metcalf Baker, a daughter, Nancy Baker and a brother, Donald E. Baker.

Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday December 31, 2014 at Fickes Funeral

Home in Jeromesville with Pastor Bill Schaeffer officiating.  Burial will be

in Jeromesville Cemetery.  Friends may call Tuesday December 30, 2014 from

6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House 1050 Dauch Drive

Ashland, OH 44805.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.