James Kenneth Baker

James Kenneth “Coach Fish” Baker, 73 of Pineville, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, Tennessee. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia on September 22, 1951, a son of the late Elisha and Margaret Hearl Baker. James was a member of the Ferndale Missionary Baptist Church and retired as a member of the housekeeping staff after 35 years of service at the Pineville Community Hospital.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert L. Baker.

James is survived by his wife, Clarassie Louise Turner Baker; son, Nolan Baker; daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Joshua McBee; grandchildren, Addison McBee, Aaliyah McBee, and Autumn McBee; brothers, David and Betty Baker, Eddie Baker, Daniel Baker, Paul T. Baker, and Samuel Baker; sisters, Rose Mary Baker and Linda Baker; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home with Rev. Clarence Mason and Rev. Tommy Turner presiding. Music will be provided by George Smith, Luther Adkins, and Addison McBee. Burial will follow at the Pinelawn Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Baker Family.