Jess Baker, 60, of Stockbridge, Ga. passed away on August 14, 2016, at Southeast Georgia Health System. Born in Kentucky, he was raised on St. Simons from the age of 3. After graduating from Glynn Academy he joined the Air Force in 1975. Having met his future wife, Gayle, in high school, they married in 1977. During his years of service he and Gayle traveled extensively to England, Germany, the Philippines, Japan, as well as several stateside assignments. He specialized in communications technology and radar repair. After the birth of their two children, Jess and Gayle decided he would transfer to the Air National Guard, in Brunswick, where he served 15 years, completing 25 years total of military service. Upon retiring from the military, Jess began working with Bell South (now AT&T) until his passing, as an internet software project manager. Most knew Jess' favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends and watching his GA Bulldogs. In his later years he began to use his creative talents building high end light fixtures and other decorative pieces. These were featured in the business he and Gayle enjoyed developing together for 21 years, Acanthus Studios. As a young man he excelled as an all-around athlete with a particular love for any water sports and fishing. Recently Jess and Gayle had plans to retire and return home to St. Simons, rekindling those close ties to friends and family here. Jess is survived by his wife of 39 years, Gayle Medlin Baker, his daughters, Lindsay Elaine Baker and Jamie Brooke Moore (Chris), and three granddaughters, Brooklyn, Rebecca, and Ava, all of the Atlanta area. He is also survived by two brothers, Aaron and Billy Baker and a sister, Cora Baker. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday in the Chapel of Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Ken Creekmore officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the services.The family is being served by Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home and the Golden Isles Cremation Center.