James Yeo "J.Y." Baker
One of the “Big Guns” in track and field during the 1930’s, James Yeo Baker has been inducted into the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame. Born in Dalhousie Mills, the eldest son of Mary Sharkey and Dr.James Yeo Baker, Jim, brother of Pat, Mary and Andrew, was always an avid athlete.
As a youngest, J.Y. would purposely startle neighbouring horses, making them run and then the race was on. Jim’s formal athletic achievements began with his participation in track and field at the former Alexandria High School (AHS), most notably during the Prescott and Glengarry Interscholastic Athletic Association annual meets.
Jim competed in numerous events including the 100, 220, 440 yard races, the relays, the hop, step and jump as well as the broad jump. It is believed that some records may still stand, in particular the triple jump event where a mark of over 41 feet stands after 64 years.
A record of 10.1 seconds still exists for the 100-yard run. In his graduating year from high school Jim equalled the Canadian junior record at a track meet hosted by Alexandria. As the story goes, Jim ran the quarter-mile so quickly that there were objections from opposing teams regarding the accuracy of the time pieces. The time was accurate,however.
Darkness had set in and it was necessary to use car headlights to assist the officials in repeatedly measuring the 440 m. It was discovered that the measurement of the distance was not 440 yards, but 430 yards. If the discrepancy of the 10 yards had been averaged in, Jim Baker would have better than equalled the Canadian junior record.
Jim recalls one particular track meet where the accumulated points title rested on the relay team to bring the cup home to Alexandria High School. As anchor of the relay team, competition was intense and the pressure was on to win the race. Jim brought the cup home to Alexandria.
On returning to Alexandria, the truck that the team was riding in was stoned by upset competitors and spectators. During his high school years, Jim was also a leader of the Cadet Corps, where he excelled in rifle range shooting. He also had chilling memories of his trips to Maxville by horse and sleigh to play defence for his Alexandria hockey team.
Jim later attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., studying arts and engineering. In 1940, he was honoured by the university with the prestigious “Letter A” for his accomplishments in athletics.
Jim’s athletic prowess, physical and teamwork skills followed him into his army days when he represented his regiment (Royal Canadian Engineers) at track and field meets in Canada and Europe. While in the army, he and his boxing buddy would be placed on draft lists for overseas only to be removed at the last minute for no apparent reason. As it turned out, the two were slated to attend prestigious athletic events bringing honour to the regiment. The two buddies managed to get themselves paraded in front of the big army bosses attempting to ensure they remained on the draft list.
Jim went on to represent his regiment in track and field events in Italy, Holland and the United Kingdom. A back injury he suffered during the war caused Jim to finally slow down. In 1964, he married Edna McMeekin and raised six children; Colleen, Maureen, Jimmy, Chloe, Ann and David.
Jim made the decision to return to his alma mater as a teacher at Glengarry District High School where he continued to earn the respect of his colleagues and students until his retirement in 1982. Jim continued to demonstrate his passion for athletics by assisting and coaching basketball, track and field and football. A dedication by his junior football team reads: “We would not be able to boast of such accomplishments if it wasn’t for our lovable, patient coach, Mr. Baker, who led us on to every victory.
No one gave more time, more energy and more enthusiasm than you did. For your leadership we are indebted, for your enthusiasm and devotion, we are grateful.” Jim, a dedicated family man, resides in Alexandria and has nine grand-children and one great-grandchild. He is proud of his grandchildren, who have followed his love, interest and passion for participation and achievements in athletics.
