Mr. James Edward Baker of McDonough, Georgia entered into rest on December 23, 2025.

James Edward Baker, 71, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Jonesboro and McDonough, Georgia, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. His passing followed a week-long bedside vigil surrounded by love and devotion from his beloved wife, Delighter; daughter, D’Neille; grandsons, Tyler, Shemar, and Trenton; granddaughters, Alexis and Kierstin; brother-in-law, Ranell “Dook” Fanguy, Sr.; sister-in-law Christina Sherman; niece, Ashlee Sherman; cousin Demetria B. Maryland; nephew, Rev. Brandon A. Smith; and Rev. Kelvin Owens. He was lovingly supported through virtual connections with his daughter Jordan and son-in-law Ewaul Persaud.

James was an U.S. Army veteran and retired law enforcement Captain, with over 30 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was a member of Gloryland Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA until his move to Georgia, where he became a member of the Dixon Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA, remaining grounded in his faith throughout his life.

James Edward Baker leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Delighter Torrey Baker of McDonough, GA; two daughters, D’Neille Ellis of McDonough, GA, and Jordan (Ewaul) Persaud of Tysons, VA; one sister, Dorothy (Leo) Perkins of Baton Rouge, LA; two sisters-in-law, Iris Baker of Baton Rouge, LA, and Christina (Eric) Sherman of Houston, TX; one brother-in-law, Ranell “Dook” Fanguy of Houma, LA; four grandchildren, Tyler Ellis of Baton Rouge, LA, Alexis Ellis, Shemar (Kierstin) Heard, and Trenton Heard, all of McDonough, GA; five nieces, Patrice (Roy) Aron of Ethel, LA, Dawn (Reginald) Gray of Baton Rouge, LA, Ashlee Sherman of San Diego, CA, Jernell Fanguy of Houma, LA, and Chavonne Thomas of Fredericksburg, VA; six nephews, Lee (Nikki) Wesley Jr. of Shepherd, TX; Donavan (Victoria) Baker of Zachary, LA, Pierre McGill Williams of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Sherman of Houston, TX, Ranell Lee Fanguy, Jr. of Houma, LA, and Shaun Thomas of Terre Haute, IN; three aunts, Mary B. Nixon, Dolores B. Johnson, and Josephine T. Bonvillain; two uncles, James Bonvillain, Sr., and Nilo Johnson Sr. all of Houma, LA; godfather, Johnny Lovett of Antelope, CA; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Frank Baker Sr. and Corine Robinson Baker; one sister, Josie Baker Wesley; two brothers, Frank Baker, Jr. and Alvin Baker; nephew Donnell Baker; father-in-law Elmer Torrey Sr.; mother-in-law Leola Bonvillain Torrey; sister-in-law, Annette Marie Torrey; and brother-in-law, Elmer Torrey, Jr.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. James Baker

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Dixon Grove Baptist Church

7690 Fielder Road

Jonesboro, Georgia 30236

Public viewing will be held on:

Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Watkins Funeral Home-McDonough Chapel

96 S. Zack Hinton Pkwy

McDonough, Georgia 30253

Final Service and Interment Entrusted to:

Halls & Davis Funeral Home

9348 Scenic Highway

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807

Interment:

Louisiana National Cemetery

303 W. Mount Pleasant Zachary Road

Zachary, Louisiana 70791