I

Ricey James Easterling, known to most as Jim Baker and lovingly called Sonny by family and friends, passed away July 29, 2025, just shy of his 59th birthday.  Born on August 6, 1966, Sonny lived life on his own terms — loud, loyal, and always ready with a joke or a jab. He lived a life full of character, chaos, grit, laughter, mischief, love and charm. He was always ready with a joke (or a warning). He could light up a room (or clear it depending on the joke). He was one of a kind- unapologetically himself.  His humor was sharp and his heart as big as his stubborn streak.  He left an impression wherever he went — and usually a good story to go with it.

Born on August 6, 1966, Sonny grew up with a rebellious streak. Sonny was the son of Rosalie Huls and Ricey Easterling, and he shared a close and meaningful bond with his stepfather, Eldon Baker. He grew up with a deep love for family; his heart was as big as his stubborn streak.

Sonny graduated high school in 1984 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Stein from August 1984 to May 1987 as a boiler technician BTFN E3.  He carried pride in his Navy service for the rest of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Rosalie Huls and Ricey Easterling, his beloved stepfather; Eldon Baker, brothers; Rocky Burns and William "Buddy" Davis, sister; Sheila Branstetter, and nephews; Eldon Branstetter and Billy Branstetter.

He is survived by his sisters Theresa Campbell of El Dorado, KS;  Patricia Nicholson of Kansas; and Brenda Holtgreft of Leavenworth, KS, his children; Richard Baker of Tulsa, Joey Baker of Wichita, Ks  and Brittany Baker of Wichita, KS, and Jessica Bullock of Wichita, Ks. He also leaves behind his nephews; Richard (Yvonne) Brown of El Dorado, Michael Campbell of Wellington, Ks, nieces; Samantha (Dan) Knoll of Moundridge and Rosalie (Brad) Thorne of El Dorado, Ks; along with numerous cousins, great-nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends who were lucky enough to know him.

Sonny didn't live quietly or conventionally. He was a storyteller whose story may or may not have gotten bigger over the years.  He loved good company and had a way of bringing both laughter and chaos wherever he went. Always with a Bud Light in hand Sonny was the life of every party provided you didn't get on his bad side. He once lived behind a bar in a fifth-wheel trailer, serving as the unofficial "maintenance man," official troublemaker, and undeniable good-time ambassador and held court like a king on his throne.  That setup was perfect for Sonny- he fixed what was broken, told stories, sipped beer, and kept watch over his people. Sonny lived life a little outside the lines. He was a man who danced to his own beat, often a bit more wild than the law would allow.

He was a jokester by nature, but if you mistreated someone he loved — especially one of his nieces or nephews — you'd find out quickly that he was not to be trifled with. Sonny could have a mean streak when it came to protecting his people, and for that, his family loved him even more. Sonny's life wasn't always easy, but it was undeniably his own. He'll be remembered for his wild stories and tough exterior. He was flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.  He didn't try to be perfect- he was real.

Sonny had a self-taught mind who could fix anything.  If something was broken he could fix it with a roll of duct tape, a screwdriver, and scrap wire, with bud lite in his hand and pure stubbornness and determination.  He usually fixed things in unconventional but effective ways that no manual could replicate.

Sonny lived hard, laughed loud, and loved fiercely. His legacy will live on in the stories that will be told and retold around kitchen tables, barstools, and family gatherings for years to come.

A memorial service to celebrate Sonny's life will be held at True Lies Bar on August 9th at 11 AM, a fitting tribute to a man who never sugar coated anything and wouldn't want his sendoff to be any different. Family and friends are invited to share stories, raise a Bud Light, and remember the man who made us laugh, made us think, and made sure no one he loved ever stood alone.

In honor of Sonny, raise a Bud Light, tell a joke that would've made him smirk, and remember the wild-hearted man who lived life with no filter, no apologies, and a whole lot of love.

You raised a little hell, loved with your whole heart, and left this world with stories no one will forget. Your legend lives on. Rest easy, Sonny. Heaven just got a little rowdier.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.