Gen. John Weir Baker, Jr.

(October 9, 1931-October 5, 2024)

John Weir Baker, Jr. was born on October 9, 1931, in Boise, Idaho and passed away on October 5, 2024, after a brief and aggressive battle with cancer. He was 92. 

Raised in Boise, Idaho, he graduated from Boise High School in 1949 and attended Boise Junior College, Boise State University, and earned credits through Lewis-Clark State College. John received his Bachelor of Applied Science from Boise State in 1989, and his Master of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Environmental Health, from Boise State in 1993. 

In the early 1950’s John married and subsequently had one son (John Weir III) and two daughters (Jana Diane and Rachel Suzanne). The family grew up in Boise and all three children attended Boise High, just as their father did. 

In 1983, John met the love of his life and married Geraldine (“Gerri”) Judy Stuart. They enjoyed 41 years together living life’s adventures. Gerri brought two children to the marriage, Angela Christine Stuart Buffalin and Scott Alan Stuart. 

Gen. Baker was dedicated to his country and its defense. He proudly served active duty, in the Reserves, and with the Army National Guard in many positions and on many projects. His service was honored with numerous awards and accolades including the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. Observation Point (OP) Baker is a location at the Orchard Combat Training Center that was named for Gen. Baker. He was a highly skilled helicopter and fixed wing pilot and talented operator of tanks and artillery. He was deployed around the world and attended the NATO College in Rome, Italy, an assignment at the Pentagon, Army Service School in Maryland, and many others. Ascending quickly through the ranks, he ultimately retired on October 31, 1986, as a Brigadier General, after serving as Commander of the 116th Armored Cavalry for five years. He was known as a man of great integrity, with a sharp wit, and unrelenting resolve to accomplish even the most challenging objectives. 

John began his career in telecommunications in 1951 and retired from AT&T in July 1989. He travelled all around the country during his career and lead many projects including the communications team for Evil Knievel’s jump of the Snake River Gorge in Twin Falls. His unique experience and relationship with the Army Research Institute was instrumental in the success in development and construction of the High Tech Center at Boise State University.

John was an adjunct professor at Boise State where he taught computer classes through the College of Health Sciences. Through his actions, these classes were also made available to his fellow service members at Gowen Field and Mountain Home Air Force Base.

John was a member of the Masons Oriental Lodge #60 and held its beliefs close, particularly the principle of wanting to be part of something bigger than himself.

John dedicated his life to the service of his family, community, and country. Whether he was known to you as Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Friend, General, John, or Mr. Baker, he made a permanent impression on all that knew him. He will be forever missed and will always be in our hearts. 

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John is predeceased by his parents Bernice M. Mason Baker and John Weir Baker, Sr., sisters Beverly Stokes, Dorothy Ferries, and Suzanne Day, and his son John Weir Baker III. He is survived by his wife Geraldine Baker; daughters Jana Baker and Rachel Baker; step-children Angela Stuart Buffalin (James) and Scott Stuart (April); grandchildren Jonathon Fleming (Crystal), Christopher Fleming, Alexander Baker, Matthew Myers, Kristin Baker, Nicole Baker Armstrong (Raine), Natalie Buffalin, Joseph Buffalin, and Preston Stuart; 4 great grandchildren Jonathon Fleming, Jr., Grayson Fleming, Penny Getz, and Mila Armstrong; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

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A viewing will be held on October 15, 2024, between 5-8 p.m. and a Full Military Service will be held on October 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at Summers Funeral Home, 3629 East Ustick Road, Meridian, Idaho. John will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery in Boise.