James Miles Baker

James Miles Baker, 86, of Edenton, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 surrounded by his wife and daughters in ECU Health Bertie Hospital. Mr. Baker was born in Norfolk, VA on January 17, 1940, and was the son of the late Joseph Lloyd Baker and Willietta Haste Baker Copeland. Jim was raised in Chowan County, and was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Following his service in the USCG, Jim charted his course to become a pilot. He worked in Norfolk, VA while earning his flight ratings, became a flight instructor, and through a corporate job flying twin-engine aircraft he gained the experience that qualified him to be hired with Allegheny Airlines (that later became USAir). Jim enjoyed recreational aerobatic flying, and for a time was a member of The Flying Circus, in Bealeton, VA, where he performed for crowds in his Pitts Special biplane.

Jim retired from US Airways in 1999 as an international captain after a 33-year career. He accumulated approximately 31,000 hours of flying time, mostly in commercial jets. "My only significant flying accomplishment," he said, "was completing 39 years and 31,000 hours of safe, incident-free flying." Aside from his love of flying, Jim was a skilled woodworker, sailor, avid reader, and lover of history and sharing his knowledge with others.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lisa Hoenig Baker; two daughters, Catherine Baker Agraz and her husband, Victor of Edenton, and Annie Baker Norris and her husband, John of Miami Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Logan Miles Norris, Caroline Marie Norris, and Margaret Ford Agraz; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Richard Copeland; and two brothers, G.C. and J.L. Baker.

Services and interment will be private. The family invites friends to celebrate his life on Sunday, February 15th at 2:00 at The Herringbone Restaurant, 119 W. Water Street, Edenton.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the ECU Health Bertie Hospital Comfort Care Team.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com