Jason Blaine Baker, 52, of Birmingham, died on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Jason was born on November 19, 1972 in Montgomery, Alabama to Pearl Edward Baker and Melanie (Braddy) Baker. Jason grew up in Dothan and loved living close enough to visit the beach often. 

Jason graduated from Houston Academy in Dothan in 1991 and from Auburn University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He served in the Peace Corps with his former wife, Tynley Baker, from 1997-2000, spending time in both the Philippines and Sri Lanka. 

His son, William Edward (Webb) Baker was born in 2001.

In 2004, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master of Library and Information Studies. Jason worked at Lister Hill Library at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before starting in 2009 at the Trussville Public Library. Jason oversaw the renovation and expansion of the library and served as their Library Director from January 2021 until his death. 

Jason was preceded in death by his father, Ed Baker, and his stepfather, Mose Saliba. Jason is survived by his wife, Patricia Baker, children Webb Baker, Alex and Julie Higginbottom, and his mother Melanie Saliba. 

Jason loved the outdoors and spent time in the mountains whenever possible. He greatly enjoyed going on Boy Scout trips with Webb. In addition to lots of road races, Jason ran several 50K trail races. He enjoyed both mountain and road biking. 

His knowledge of movies, music, and books was vast. Supporting access to information for his community and beyond was very fulfilling to him. Jason was a member of the Trussville Noon Rotary Club and several professional library associations. In 2024 and 2025, he was the President of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative. He also served as the Public Library Division Chair of the Alabama Library Association and was a Member-at-Large of the Public Library Director’s Association of Alabama.