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James Gaston Baker, Jr.
Born: Saturday May 16, 1959 Died: Friday October 10, 2008
Born: Saturday May 16, 1959 Died: Friday October 10, 2008
Two days ago, on October 10th, 48 year old Jay Baker went to bed, just like every other night, and did not wake up. Jay left his wife Carla, and 12 year old daughter Gillian.
I (Kris) am the product of two only children. This means I have no 1st cousins, aunts or uncles. Carla's father is the youngest child of the same large family in which my grandfather was almost the oldest. This makes Carla my second cousin, and the closest thing I have to a sister or cousin. Because our family is so small and my parents and brother are all in the Duluth/Cumming area, Carla's family decided to relocate to Cumming. In order to enroll Gillian in school, Carla and Gillian moved in with us in August to begin looking for a home. They moved out only last week. Jay stayed at their home in Lawrenceville to prepare their home for sale. Carla's brother, Todd, just moved to town and has been living with Jay to help him in Carla's absence.
The medical examiner did not find anything wrong during the autopsy. The official cause of death was heart failure. I fully believe that Jay lived all the days God had appointed for him. He has a loving wife and wonderful daughter who will remember his love of his gun collection, his cat, the Georgia Defense Corp, on which he faithfully served, and the 3rd Armored Division through which he performed World War II Reenactments.
Although I tried many different scenarios that would get me home, it has proven to be very difficult because of business and ministry commitments we have out here. Carla encouraged me to stay with my family for the duration of our trip. My heart will ache tomorrow as the funeral proceeds without me. I am so grateful for the body of Christ who never fail to provide in times of need. Our former Sunday School class at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church has jumped in and helped in every way. Thank you. To the kind people at Grace Fellowship who barely know Carla, but have offered so many times to help, I am grateful. This is when we become the hands and feet of Jesus. The road ahead is long for Carla and Gillian. It is a privilege to be by their side along their journey.
I struggled with what to do with this blog. After much thought, I have decided to proceed. It is important to the children. Events like this only punctuate the fact that each day is a gift. Every goodbye may be the last. God instructs us to put our faith in Him and not worry about tomorrow. We should seize the day, always aware that there is an even better life to live beyond this one to those who make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. I am grateful for the Christian home in which Jay was raised and that he did love Jesus.
Know that Carla and Gillian remain a constant presence in our minds as we travel. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.
I (Kris) am the product of two only children. This means I have no 1st cousins, aunts or uncles. Carla's father is the youngest child of the same large family in which my grandfather was almost the oldest. This makes Carla my second cousin, and the closest thing I have to a sister or cousin. Because our family is so small and my parents and brother are all in the Duluth/Cumming area, Carla's family decided to relocate to Cumming. In order to enroll Gillian in school, Carla and Gillian moved in with us in August to begin looking for a home. They moved out only last week. Jay stayed at their home in Lawrenceville to prepare their home for sale. Carla's brother, Todd, just moved to town and has been living with Jay to help him in Carla's absence.
The medical examiner did not find anything wrong during the autopsy. The official cause of death was heart failure. I fully believe that Jay lived all the days God had appointed for him. He has a loving wife and wonderful daughter who will remember his love of his gun collection, his cat, the Georgia Defense Corp, on which he faithfully served, and the 3rd Armored Division through which he performed World War II Reenactments.
Although I tried many different scenarios that would get me home, it has proven to be very difficult because of business and ministry commitments we have out here. Carla encouraged me to stay with my family for the duration of our trip. My heart will ache tomorrow as the funeral proceeds without me. I am so grateful for the body of Christ who never fail to provide in times of need. Our former Sunday School class at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church has jumped in and helped in every way. Thank you. To the kind people at Grace Fellowship who barely know Carla, but have offered so many times to help, I am grateful. This is when we become the hands and feet of Jesus. The road ahead is long for Carla and Gillian. It is a privilege to be by their side along their journey.
I struggled with what to do with this blog. After much thought, I have decided to proceed. It is important to the children. Events like this only punctuate the fact that each day is a gift. Every goodbye may be the last. God instructs us to put our faith in Him and not worry about tomorrow. We should seize the day, always aware that there is an even better life to live beyond this one to those who make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. I am grateful for the Christian home in which Jay was raised and that he did love Jesus.
Know that Carla and Gillian remain a constant presence in our minds as we travel. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.
