02/25/2026
Baker- Benjamin “Ben” Frederick Baker, age 38, of Macclenny, Florida, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, while visiting family in Jacksonville, Florida. Ben was born on June 28, 1987, in Washington, D.C., to his loving parents, Fred G. Baker and Christine Baker-Kramer. He was raised in Orange Park, Florida, and graduated from Orange Park High School in 2005. From an early age, Ben was remarkably gifted with both his hands and his mind. A naturally talented musician, he played numerous instruments, including the guitar, drums, and piano. His deep love for music shaped much of his life and inspired those around him. In 2010, feeling called to make a bold and life-changing move, Ben relocated to Jinhua, China. There, he pursued his passion for music and education by founding Baker English, where he taught both music and English to his students. His adventurous spirit and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on many lives. Ben married the love of his life, Roxy, on May 20, 2014. Later that year, on October 30, 2014, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Stella Gayle Baker, who shares her birthday with her Papa Tom. Stella was the light of Ben’s life. Ben was a loving husband and proud father who cherished his family deeply. In addition to teaching, Ben enjoyed producing music under the name DZB, sharing his creativity and passion with a WORLDWIDE audience. He was in several bands previously but kept that up in China too! His band played festivals and concerts all over China. Ben was truly a treasure and will be greatly missed by all he knew and loved. Ben was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Roach and his “Papa”, Lawson Edwards (maternal), grandmother, Sandra Gayle Baker (paternal) and “Aunt Bo”- Barbara Gulick.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Roxy Jiang Baker, and daughter, Stella Gayle Baker, both of Jinhua, China; his father, Fred G. Baker (Wimmer) from Jacksonville, Florida; his mother, Christine Baker-Kramer and his “Pops” -Thomas Kramer, both of Macclenny, Florida; his Grandmother, Marjorie Edwards; Aunt and Godmother, Kathleen Canada; Uncles, Steven Edwards of Jacksonville, FL, Patrick Roach (Claire) of Orange Park, FL, and Alec Ryan Baker of Maryland; close cousins, Corsen Edwards and Trevor Edwards of Jacksonville, FL, Bobby Roach (Brooke) and Corey Roach, of Orange Park, Florida, along with several more loving family members in Orange Park, Middleburg, Jacksonville and Northeast Pennsylvania. Ben’s extended family members include friends, Samuel Farmer (Corina), Nate Parker (Nicole), John “Pugsley” Wehrheim of Jacksonville, all of their love and support over 30 years have a special place in Ben’s heart. Friends in China (Joe, Jeff, Greg, Tanner, Franz, Jay, Ed, Allen and many more) who became Ben’s family over the last 15 years, will forever treasure his memory.
A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. Ben’s family will receive friends following the service for refreshments and fellowship in the Ferreira Remembrance Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Ben’s life to his precious wife, Roxy Jiang Baker, to assist with hers and their daughter, Stella’s international travel. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063, (904) 259-5700. Please visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.