Marion J. Baker

Teaneck-Ret-SFC Marion James Baker, 79 on September 10, 2024 at Lyons VA Medical Center. Marion was born October 19, 1944 in Covington, GA to the late Charles and Hazel Baker (Foster), the oldest of nine children. Marion spent time in Covington, GA, Manhattan, NY and finally residing in Teaneck, NJ. Marion would later join the U.S. Army in 1965. He was a member of the 25th Infantry (Tropical Lightning) where he served in the Vietnam War. Marion served one tour in Thailand and three tours in Germany. After retiring from the Army in 1985, Marion and family relocated from Germany to Teaneck, NJ where he and wife Margaret raised their family. During this time, Marion worked with the Bergen Record, Iron Mountain and lastly his second retirement employer Quest Diagnostics in 2007. Marion enjoyed watching sports and coaching his son Clarence in basketball and baseball. Marion's favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and Brooklyn/LA Dodgers. Marion also enjoyed family cookouts, playing cards, the lottery and road trips to Georgia and Louisiana to visit family. Marion is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret M. Baker (James). From this union he leaves son Colby and his wife Venessa, daughter Carmen Michelle and her husband Karoy, son Clarence and his wife Shatara, grandsons Bryson and Jayven, sisters Kathy Maddox (Reginald), Gussie O'Faye Baker, brother in-law Cornelius James, sister in-law Helen Henry (Xavier), goddaughter Casey Henry and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Marion is pre-deceased by brothers, Jerry Baker, Gregory Baker, Kenneth Jones, Derrick Baker and sisters Gwendolyn Foster and Gail Baker all of Covington, GA. My Love, Dad, Pops, Pop Pop, Big Brother, Coach, Sarg and Maja will be deeply missed and remembered for his love, dedication and commitment to his family, country, sports, card games, a sharp tongue and his wisdom. Marion's accomplishments include the Vietnam 50 year pin, U.S. House of Representatives Citation, 25th Infantry (Tropical Lightning) Anniversary Commemorative Medal, NJ Distinguished Military Medal and US Military Service in South East Asia Theatre Medal. Visitation will be at Volk Leber Funeral Home in Teaneck, NJ. on September 20, 2024 from 2PM-4PM & 6PM-8PM. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Lyons VA Medical Center of Lyons, NJ in honor of Marion J. Baker by visiting https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/ or https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/#make-a-donation Special thanks to the Cardiac Departments at Holy Name Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center and the Lyons VA Medical Center, CLC. Honorary Pallbearers: Bryson Baker, Nicholas Burrell, Chad Henry, Jonathan James, Roderick James, Rendell James, Dennis Jenkins, Karoy Leger, Stacy Lotts, Jonathan Lowe, Francois Perres, Cornell Sheriff, Kerry Smith, Jayven Thompson