[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 174 (Friday, November 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORIAL OF SHERIFF JOHN HAYWOOD BAKER, JR.

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
Sheriff John Haywood Baker, Jr., who died October 31, 2007. In his 
passing I lost a good friend, and North Carolina lost one of its most 
outstanding citizens and a man who was instrumental in his community, 
county, and State.
  A native son of Raleigh, North Carolina, Sheriff Baker was known for 
his larger-than-life, 6-foot-7 stature and booming voice. John became 
the first black sheriff in North Carolina since Reconstruction and held 
the office from 1978 until 2002. During his 24 years as Sheriff he 
helped create the John H. Baker Jr. Charter School. This school allows 
young jailed offenders to get an education. John wasn't the only law 
enforcement officer in the family as the son of the late Lousie S. 
Baker and John H. Baker, Sr. John, Sr. was the first African American 
police officer in the city of Raleigh. At an early age John was taught 
to have compassion, gentleness, sensitivity for others. These were life 
skills that he carried with him throughout his life.
  John grew up in the Oberlin community of Raleigh and attended Ligon 
High School. He graduated from North Carolina Central University in 
1958. That same year, he was drafted 56th overall by the Los Angeles 
Rams. Over the next 11 years, the defensive end/defensive tackle went 
on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and 
Detroit Lions. While playing in the NFL, John displayed his leadership 
abilities. He was named defensive captain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, 
MVP of the team, and selected as a NFL All-Star. He was inducted into 
the North Carolina Hall of Fame, in 1972, for one of the most defining 
moments of his career. While a Pittsburgh Steeler John tackled football 
legend Y.A. Tittle, quarterback of the New York Giants, leaving him 
bloody and battered in the end zone. The tackle is the subject of a 
famous picture that became part of sports history.
  In the off season, John would work with the Raleigh Police Department 
as a youth counselor. When he retired from the NFL, he became the first 
black man appointed to the North Carolina State Parole Board, as the 
Associate Director for Training and Standards Council. He was also an 
Administrative Aide to U.S. Senator Robert Morgan. John was a member of 
several organizations; he was a life member of the NAACP, a member of 
the Board of Trustees of Shaw University, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity, just to name a few. John leaves to cherish his memory a 
devoted wife of forty-eight years, Juanita H. Baker, his two children 
Jonnita B. Williams, John H. Baker, III, and his Goddaughter Ada H. 
Roach.
  Madam Speaker, Sheriff John H. Baker had a commitment to excellence 
in everything he did, and he had a way of bringing out excellence in 
everyone around him. He was a respected and a successful dedicated 
public servant, and a great North Carolinian. It is fitting that we 
honor him and his family today.

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