James Baker;83;of Monessen;died Thursday;Jan.31;2002;in Havencrest Nursing Center. A son of the late George and Sue Matthews Baker;he was born in North Charleroi on Aug.27;1918. He was a member of the Fayette City United Methodist Church;the Naomi Athletic Club;the Monessen VFW Post 1190;and the Mon Valley Dartball League. A lifelong resident of Monessen;he retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co.and was a World War II veteran of the U.S.Army;where he served as a surgical techician with the 348th medical engineers. Survivors include his wife of 56 years;Mildred Nelson Baker;a son and daughter-in-law;Douglas and Becky Baker of Fayette City;and five grandchildren;Amanda;Shaun and Stephanie Baker;Joe and Jason Morrison;all of Fayette City. In addition to his parents;he was preceded in death by three brothers;Ray;Clinton and Jack Baker;and two sisters;Marian Baker and Jean Clingerman. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME;INC.;a Golden Rule Member Firm;700 Broad Ave.;Belle Vernon;where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. with the Rev.James R.Myers officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Shelby D.Ferguson;funeral director;in charge of arrangements.