John Michael Baker

John Michael Baker passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 77 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was born August 21, 1948, in Arlington, Virginia, the oldest son and second child of Paul Bliss Baker Jr. and Ruth Compton Baker.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Connie Baker; his children, Jennifer (Matt) Mitchell, Jeffrey (Toshiko) Baker, Julia Baker, Cara (Sean) Detwiler and stepson Derek Nelson.

He is also survived by six grandchildren, Matthew, Raeanne, Alexandra, Alison, Liam, and Emma as well as two great-grandchildren, Odin and Ariadne. In addition, he is survived by two siblings, Donna (Don) Meyer and Paul (Kelly) Baker, three nieces, one nephew, three great-nephews, one great-niece and many cousins.

John often spoke of his idyllic childhood, growing up in Falls Church, Virginia, where his parents owned a successful business. As a child, John spent summer vacations traveling to national baseball stadiums and attending games with his family. He and his brother also attended the Little League Summer Camp in Williamsport, PA. His father sponsored a little league team and one of John’s favorite memories was hitting a grand-slam home run to win the city championship. These experiences fostered John’s lifelong love of baseball. In later years he was an avid Diamondbacks baseball fan. He was also a dedicated tennis player and runner.

John excelled in high school and graduated from James Madison High School in 1966. He went on to attend Wake Forest University in North Carolina and his four years there were among his happiest. He was fraternity president in his senior year and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970.

Shortly after graduating from college, he joined the United States Information Agency which led to his becoming a Foreign Service Officer where he served in both domestic and overseas assignments. Later in his career, USIA was merged into the Department of State where John completed his career.

John excelled in his profession as a management officer and was known for his outstanding negotiating skills. One of his colleagues once remarked that John got what he wanted without the other side even knowing.

John loved socializing and had many friends, both in and outside the foreign service. He was a master at “oldies” music trivia and his Japanese employees in Tokyo looked forward to his Elvis karaoke performances.

John’s later years were marred by declining physical and mental health. Despite that, he often talked about the extraordinary life he had led. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man, a loving husband and proud father, grandpa and great grandpa.

There will be an internment ceremony and a celebration of John’s life in Herndon, Virginia to be announced at a later date.