[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JAMES KENDRICK BAKER

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a 
remarkable individual, James Kendrick Baker, whom passed away on July 
24, 2013. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for 
his leadership and service to our county.
  Mr. Baker, a born and bred Hoosier, graduated cum laude from DePauw 
University where he served as president of Sigma Chi fraternity. He 
also served our nation in the U.S. Army before earning his Masters from 
Harvard Business School. Mr. Baker spent his entire career at Arvin 
Industries where he rose to President and CEO and eventually Chairman 
of the Board. Under his leadership, Arvin transferred from a domestic 
conglomeration of separate businesses into a global leader in the 
automobile parts industry.
  Mr. Baker loved Indiana and the community of Columbus. He was active 
on many boards including, but not limited to: Indiana National Bank, 
PSI Resources, NBD First Chicago, Cinergy Company, and DePauw 
University. He was elected Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 
donated his time to improving the U.S. educational system. Mr. Baker 
earned the Trailblazer Award from The Tindley Accelerated School in 
Indianapolis, and jointly received the Simms Leadership Award from 
IUPUC with his wife, Beverly. He also received 4 Sagamores of the 
Wabash for the Indiana Governor's Office. Sigma Chi honored him by 
naming him a Significant Sig and later to the Order of the Constantine.
  Mr. Baker is a fraternity brother of mine, one who I consider a 
mentor and friend. I would often seek his counsel while serving as 
Indiana Secretary of State and as a Member of Congress. He has helped 
me tremendously in my service to Indiana, and for that I will be 
forever grateful. He was a captain of industry, a Hoosier whom Indiana 
was lucky to have.
  Mr. Baker always bestowed his wife of 54 years, their three children 
and seven grandchildren with love and respect. This is James Kendrick 
Baker: a man truly committed to his family, his community, his faith, 
and his country. Thank you, and rest in peace Mr. Baker.

                          ____________________