Obituary of Julius D. Baker

Julius (Jay) D. Baker, age 89, a longtime resident of Rome, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2010. Prior to living in Rome, Jay lived in Cleveland, NY and resided the last two years at East Side Manor in Fayetteville; with excellent care. He was born March 4, 1921, in Norwich, a son of Ernest A. and Maybelle Clark Baker. He was predeceased by his lovely first wife, Julia Opiela, in 1959, his beloved second wife, Kerene Ransom, in 2006, and his daughter, Carol Williamson in April 2008. Jay, proudly served in the Army Air Corps from July 1939 to April 1945. He was stationed in England and Germany during World War II. Jay was introduced to flying at the New York State Fair when he was 12 years of age. He was hospitalized for six months after barely surviving a plane crash on July 4, 1948; but that did not deter his passion for flying. He retired from Griffiss Air Force Base in the early '80s During the 1950's, Jay drove the ice cream truck along the North Shore of Oneida Lake, whereby earning the title of "The Sno Bird Man" Jay is survived by two daughters, Donna and Patrick Bennett of West Monroe, and Beverly Ransom and companion, David Miner of Rome; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also predeceased by stepchildren, Susan Ransom Pickett and "Bert" Ransom. Private graveside services will be held in Flemington, New Jersey. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.