John David Baker

With great sadness, we the family of John David Baker (Scottsdale, AZ) announce his peaceful passing on January 18, 2022 at the age of 85 after a brief illness. John was born in Akron, Ohio on March 22, 1936, the only son of Horace and Margaret (Kassinger) Baker who predeceased him. He is survived by his dear sister, Margaret (Baker) Amster, and his half-brothers, Horace, David, Michael, and Robert. John was predeceased by his beloved 2nd wife, Ardys Grace (Lowry) Baker in 2019. John is survived by his children from his first marriage to Sara (White) Baker, David (Karen), Sharon, and Diane (John). John also leaves 5 grandchildren, Helen, Andrew, Patrick, Daniel, and Anna, his nieces and nephews, Stephen, Howard, Kate, Meg, and Stuart, as well as step-children Scott Wilbor(Kathy), Jenny Carraher(Chris), and Glenn Wilbor(Lisa).

John graduated in 1954 from Cleveland Heights High School, and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Case Western Reserve University. Throughout his life, he was a champion of education and equal opportunity for all people. He saw education as a way to promote understanding and equality among people. He became a teacher, and was very proud of his work at Warrensville Heights High School early in his career. After earning a Ph.D. in American Studies at Case Western Reserve University, John taught in the Humanities at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio. He eventually rose to the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs there. During that time, John also volunteered his time teaching inmates at a state penitentiary, in hopes of bettering their lives through education. Later in life, he had a successful career in business at AT&T before retiring. In retirement, John, maintained an active interest in writing and began an online magazine, The Negotiator. He was proud to draw contributors and subscribers to the magazine from around the world.

John’s diverse interests and talents led to many great adventures during his lifetime. He taught himself carpentry and worked with his first wife, Sara, to build a 4-bedroom cottage by hand on a small island in northern Ontario. The couple and their three children enjoyed many summers there. Later in life, John’s great joy was traveling the world with his second wife, Ardie. The couple collected art and craftwork from around the world and enjoyed sharing photos and memories with their family. John will be greatly missed