James Brian Baker

James Brian Baker, age 49 of Raleigh, formerly of Jefferson, died June 3, 2021.  He was born in Ashe County, July 18, 1971 to James Franklin and Wanda Goss Baker. Brian was a graduate of NC State University and worked many years at the NCDMV in Raleigh. He was an avid lover of all sports, with baseball being his favorite. Through the many obstacles life threw at him he never wavered and ALWAYS came out better on the other side. Everyone’s lives are a little brighter having known him.

A private burial will be held.

Brian was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ardeen Taylor Goss Boyer and Jesse Willard Goss of Jefferson and paternal grandparents Jesse James Baker and Virginia Dare Baker of West Jefferson and aunt, Janis Goss Pennington.

Brian is survived by his parents James Franklin and Wanda Goss Baker of Raleigh, NC, uncles, Jesse Goss and wife, JoAnn of Belton, Texas and Duane Pennington of  West Jefferson, aunt, Cathy Ann Baker Tickle of Sevierville and cousins Christy, Heather, Amber and Brandon aka the remaining members of the kids table.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Ashe Shrine Club, PO Box 244, Jefferson, NC 28640.