Born: August 30, 1953

Passed: June 1, 2022

Played for NAU - 1974-75

When Jimmy came to NAU he was a 5’11”, 215 pound Junior fullback from Globe, AZ, who transferred from Mesa Community College. He was a standout on  MCC’s National JUCO championship team from the Sunkist Bowl in 1973.

     At NAU he was moved from tailback to fullback and found a new football “home”. Jimmy played for NAU from 1974-1975.

A graduate of Globe High School and NAU. He followed Emil Nasser as Head Coach at Winslow. He was a teacher and coach for many years in Tolleson. Jimmy spent his entire life teaching/coaching/mentoring and being a platform for others to grow from. He lived a selfless life where he devoted hours upon hours working with others so they could become their best self.

     He did all this while being a loving father to his two girls Leslie Johnson and Rendi Garcia. His girls were by far the pride of Jimmy’s life. There’s not a person he encountered that didn’t hear of his love for his girls. Jimmy was a father, grand-father, great-grandfather, teacher, coach/mentor and friend to many.

     He loved graciously and selfishly. He is a man whose love has touched many. A great person RIP Coach Baker.

Link to Jimmy’s Legacy Page:

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25161074/jimmy-l-baker