James Albert Baker

James Albert Baker, formerly of Tipton and Culver, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home in Carmel on July 18, 2026.  He was born July 19, 1929,in Kokomo, Indiana to Albert Yeaman and Sara Janette (Fariss) Baker.  Jim married Jeannine Leeson McIntosh, daughter of Maj. Gen. Jesse Eschol McIntosh and Vivian Era Leeson, on September 6, 1953, in Tipton.

Jim was a 1946 graduate of Kokomo High School and served in the Indiana National Guard.  Through his passion for interior design, he started his own design firm in the late 1950s, J. Baker Interiors.  He was an accredited and award-winning member of the American Society of Interior Designers serving several terms as the Indiana Chapter’s president.  He was well-known for his traditional designs with clients throughout Indiana as well as Florida, North Carolina, and Chicago.

Jim participated for many years in the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Showhouse receiving awards in recognition for his designs.  He also participated in and was a sponsor for the Methodist Hospital Task Core Indianapolis Art & Antiques Show for many years.  He was most proud during his career to be selected as consulting designer to the Indiana Governor’s Residence during the Mitch Daniels administration and serve on the Governor’s Residence Committee for several years.  In later years he started Albert Square, Ltd., a design showroom to the trade in Indianapolis that eventually moved to Carmel, Indiana.  He was a former member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, The University Club of Indianapolis and Woodstock Club, each of which reflected his design influence.

Summers held meaningful family memories for over 40 years entertaining at their summer home on the East Shore of Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana.  Jim belonged to the Maxinkuckee Lake Association and Maxinkuckee Yacht Club, serving as Commodore and as a judge for weekend sailing races during the season.  Years in Key Biscayne and Vero Beach, Florida with family and friends were special as well.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Jeannine who passed away February 5, 2023, his parents, his stepmother Inez (Wimberley) Norris Baker, and stepbrother Daniel Lewis Norris.  He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Baker Liles (Charles A., Sr.) of Indianapolis, and son, Mark Jay Baker (Jeanie) of Carmel.  His grandsons, Charles A. Liles, Jr. of Los Angeles, Californiaand David A. Liles of Carmel also survive.

Jim will be best remembered for his impeccable taste and attention to detail in design, his generosity and hospitality.

The family would like to thank Suburban Hospice, Inc., Dr. John Hittle, Jacqui Greenwald, Elizabeth Welch, Brittany Williamson, Beth McKenzie, Shannon Abel, Logan Shuppert and caregiver, Shaun Roetman for the care they gave Jim during the past months.

A private burial service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.

Please make online gifts in memory of Jim to Dementia Society of America at Dementia Society of America/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton.  Online condolences for the Baker family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.