James Junior “Jim” Baker, age 66, passed away on March 18, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on May 26, 1959, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to James and Avis Baker, and spent his early years on the west side of Grand Rapids alongside his siblings Donna, Marlene, Susie, and Ronnie.

Jim attended Union High School and began working at Eberhard’s Grocery before finding his way into the towing industry, where he built the foundation of his life’s work. He started with Hermitage Towing in the 1980s, eventually taking ownership in the mid 1990s. In 2008, he went on to start Hookline Towing, continuing to work for himself until his health began to decline around 2020. Jim took great pride in being his own boss, valuing the independence and determination it took to make things happen on his own terms.

To know Jim was to experience a personality that was unforgettable. He was outgoing, never hesitating to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was deeply caring, always willing to help others, even when it was not easy. And above all, he was stubborn in the most Jim way possible. Once he made up his mind, there was no changing it, and he wore that trait like a badge of honor.

Jim had a sharp sense of humor and loved to laugh. He enjoyed Larry the Cable Guy, dad jokes, and sarcasm that could catch you off guard. He was known for his playful teasing, especially with those he cared about most. If Jim gave you a hard time, it usually meant you had earned your place with him. Beneath his gruff and sometimes standoffish exterior was a soft heart that revealed itself to those he let in.

He was a man of simple joys. Jim loved spending time at the casino, often joking that he was “going to work,” and enjoyed fairs and festivals, especially if there was Polish sausage with onions and peppers involved. His love for Polish food, particularly kielbasa, became a signature part of family gatherings. For many years, he proudly hosted family Christmas celebrations, known for his food spreads and his famous kielbasa balls, which he especially enjoyed teasing his daughter in law Liz about.

Jim was a storyteller, a bit of a gossiper, and someone who always tried to be a favorite among his family, especially his cousins. He showed love in his own way, often through humor, helping hands, and the occasional ribbing. He believed in treating people well, a value he lived out daily through his work and interactions with others.

One of the many stories that captures Jim’s spirit comes from when his son Brandon was young and needed stitches after a fall. As Brandon resisted the doctors, Jim simply told them, “Just hold him down.” That phrase became a running joke throughout their lives, coming full circle in Jim’s later years as Brandon would say the same thing to medical staff when Jim himself became the stubborn patient.

Jim faced many health challenges over the years, often meeting them with resistance and a strong will to do things his own way. He carried a “prove them wrong” attitude, continuing to push forward despite being told time and time again what might come. His resilience, even when difficult, was undeniable and left a lasting impression on those around him.

He was the person people called when they had car trouble, always ready with knowledge gained from decades in the towing and automotive world. He quietly helped family when he could, whether it was fixing a vehicle or lending a hand financially. He also built a wide network of friendships through the many businesses and people he worked with over the years.

Jim will be remembered for his genuine care for others, his unmistakable personality, and the way he left his mark on everyone he met. His sarcasm and stubbornness live on through his family, along with his love for good food, good conversation, and doing things his own way.

At his core, Jim was a teddy bear with a heart of gold. He may have been rough around the edges, but those who truly knew him understood the depth of his kindness and loyalty.

If Jim could leave one final piece of advice, it would likely be, “Stay stubborn, you know better than those damn doctors.”

He is survived by his children, Matthew Tenhopen and Brandon (Liz) Baker; his grandchildren, Andrew (Aubrey Pennington) Tenhopen and Samantha Tenhopen; and his great grandchild, Jack Tenhopen. He is also survived by his siblings, Ronnie (Sherie) Greenland, Marlene Sherwood, and Donna (Bob) Brady, along with many nieces and nephews.

He joins his parents, James and Avis Baker; his sister, Susie Baker; and his son, Nicholas Baker, who passed before him.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the chance to know him.