Jim Baker is something of a rarity in Arizona – he’s actually a native. Not only that, but he’s also a third generation Florencian which means he has deep roots in this old frontier town.
His grandfather came to Florence in 1912 during statehood and in 1925 he opened Bakers Garage, now called J.W. Baker Garage, located at 99 E. Butte Avenue. The Baker family has been in the automotive business in Historic Downtown Florence ever since. Baker was born in Florence on Nov. 17, 1957. He graduated from Florence High School in 1975.
A Freemason, Baker recently was elected the new grand master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona. He was elected by more than 5,000 Masons throughout Arizona to lead the fraternity for the 2022-23 year.
