NORWAY — James E. Baker, 87, of Norway passed away on Sunday, June 16, at his residence.

He was born in Alfred, Nov. 9, 1925, son of E. Arthur Baker and Hazel Proctor Durant.

Jim graduated from West Paris High School in 1943 and served 2 years in the Air Force Cadets during which time he attended the Air Force Cadet School. Upon his discharge, he participated in many jobs, including working in the woods, delivering ice, mining feldspar, production work at Oxford Paper Co., selling Grossman Homes and owning the West Paris General Store.

He married Carolyn Nevers on June 21, 1953, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 21.

Jim returned to college at Gorham Teachers College where he earned a bachelor of science and master’s degree in education. He taught at Oxford Hills High School from 1966 to 1989, teaching social studies and psychology.

He loved the outdoors: camping, hunting and fishing. He and Carolyn made five trips to Alaska.

He was a member of Oxford County Retired Educators, Stone-Smart Legion, Oxford County Shrine Club, W.P. Masonic Club, Second Congregational Church in Norway, Maine Association of Retirees, Weary Club and a life member of NEA.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Nevers) Baker; daughters, Pamela Brodis and husband, Richard, of Hope, Carol Baker Roux and husband, Skip, of Lyman and Debra Ladner and husband, Keith, of Harrison; grandchildren, James Brodis of Hope, Ben Brodis and wife, Amy, of Hope, Becki Hatch and husband, Marcus, of West Paris and Sarah Ladner and fiance, Paul Apollo, of Boston; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Alan, Davin Hatch of West Paris and Jack Brodis of Hope; sisters, Patricia Thurlow of Woodstock and Christine Kennison of Harrison; brothers, Larry Baker of Voluntown, Conn., and Leon Baker of Norway; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.