Jerry Baker

Jerry Baker, an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeye fan, avid golfer, beloved husband, and cherished friend,  passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 76. Jerry had been living with and battling a very rare  neurodegenerative disease, corticobasal degeneration (CBD), for the past 8-10 years. He was a research  patient at the University of California, San Diego, Department of Neurology, and generously donated his brain  for research in the hope of helping others in the future.  

Jerry was smart, gentle, and perceptive. He was deeply loved for his kindness, sense of humor, generosity,  and quiet strength, and for the steady way he showed up for the people in his life. His witty quips on the golf  course are considered classics by those who had the privilege of playing with him.  

Born in Marysville, OH, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, a Master of  Science degree from Florida State University, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He enjoyed a long and successful career in information systems management, serving as Chief Information Officer at Saint John’s  Hospital and at Tenet (USC) Hospital, and later provided project management services through several large  consulting firms.  

Jerry cherished his devoted wife of 52 years, Dixie, whom he met at OSU and married in Tallahassee FL. After  a fellowship from the University of Southern California brought them to Los Angeles, they realized that this  was where they wanted to spend their lives together. Through the years in which Jerry was battling his illness,  Dixie was by his side with unwavering love and care, ensuring that he had exceptional in-home care providers  and coordinating his hospice care over the past year of his life. Jerry’s family and friends are deeply grateful  for the quality of care he was given through his most difficult years. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Cheryl  Parker, of Marysville OH. 

Jerry’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, at Palos Verdes Golf Club. In  lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to CurePSP, whose mission is to raise awareness,  build community, improve care, and find a cure for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal  degeneration (CBD), and multiple symptom atrophy (MSA). 

Jerry will be remembered always for the love he gave and the lives he touched. He will be profoundly missed.

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