John was a giant of a man. I will not forget meeting him for the first time. He was moving to Corpus Christi to coach on the staff of Mary Carroll High School along with my then husband, George Hopper. They were part of Bill Hamrick's coaching staff.
John came to our house for dinner and a visit. Of course the two coaches would share a longer visit. But over that initial meal (for which George had advised me to have more than enough to share) I learned of his wife, Judy, and their children John and Jeannene. Judy and I became fast friends and allies, as coaches wives are known to do, and our little boys looked up to the Baker kids. John, the son, always came to read our encyclopedias and other books, and Jeannene to play. Their mom had doctor's visits to attend to and first Jacque and then Jill were added to the lively Baker bunch.
The Bakers preceded us to Houston, to CFISD. John encouraged George to make the move. George coached at JVHS, and John was at CFHS where I taught. In a time when I most needed support, John made sure I had it. When I was scheduled for a meeting with Principal Carlos Watkins, John made a point to sit in the waiting area for the meeting to end. He knew I was having a hard time adjusting to 'team teaching' and needed to resolve things.
Our families had fabulous gatherings at the Baker house in Woodland Trails (brand new back then!) and our boys inherited the Baker bunk beds.
Jacque and Jill were the rambunctious little ones back then. Judy served up great feasts and we gladly partook. She was the original Agatha Christie fan and super homemaker. George and John were busily talking football at every chance. We used to tease about their staying up all night talking strategies.
Over the years, divorce and further moves separated our families. I last knew of John living somewhere on the San Bernard River, where Jim Meyer and I also had a home. Judy and I remained friends and retired as librarians. I knew Jacque was teaching in CFHS back when. Time has flown by.
I shall not forget the good times, nor John Baker and his wonderful family. May John Outlaw Baker III rest in peace.
Love to all his extended family. May God grant you peace.
