James Finley Baker, age 17, of Atkinson and formerly of Bristol, Connecticut died Monday, December 22, 2008 in Pender County.

He was born April 8, 1991 in Knoxville, Tennessee, grew up in Bristol, Connecticut and two years ago moved to Atkinson. James was in the tenth grade at Pender High School and worked part time at B & B Tires and Service with Robert Barnhill, a man that James respected and looked up to.

Surviving are his beloved family: his parents, Mary E. and Steven Gagnier, Sr. of Atkinson; brothers, Steven Gagnier, Jr. of Bristol, Connecticut, Terry Baker, Mathew Gagnier and Joseph Baker, Jr. all of Atkinson; sister, Sherry Baker of Atkinson; birth father, Joseph Lambert Baker, Sr. of Monroe; grandmothers, Mary Emory of Knoxville, Tennessee, Patricia Ann Higgs of Indian Trail, and Ruth Gagnier of Atkinson; many cousins, aunts and uncles, including, James Emory; and best friend, Challen Troll.

James loved life and lived it to the fullest. Being good with his hands, he enjoyed working on cars, taking things apart and putting them back together again. He was a certified scuba diver and a good swimmer. In fact, 1 ½ years ago he saved his brother, Steven, from a drowning fatality at the beach. He had a great personality, a winning smile and was always willing to help others. Being the youngest boy in the family he was "mama's boy". He loved laughter, jokes and his friends, but most of all he loved his family. James was loved and will never be forgotten.

A memorial service celebrating James' life will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Reverend Ted Mercer officiating.

The family will be at the home of Michael and Annie Gagnier in Currie.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw, NC.