James Addison Baker III was born on April 28, 1930 in Houston, Texas. He was raised in a prominent family, with his father being a successful attorney and his mother involved in various charitable organizations. Baker attended The Hill School in Pennsylvania for high school before going on to attend Princeton University, where he graduated with a degree in history.
After graduating from Princeton, Baker went on to attend the University of Texas School of Law, where he earned his law degree. He began his legal career at the law firm of Andrews & Kurth in Houston, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a partner. Baker's legal expertise and keen intellect soon caught the attention of many influential people, including his future wife, Mary Stuart McHenry.
Although Baker initially considered himself apolitical, he was drawn into the world of politics through his wife, who was actively involved in Republican politics. Baker's first foray into politics was as the campaign manager for George H.W. Bush's unsuccessful Senate campaign in 1970. Despite the loss, Baker's talent for politics was evident, and he quickly became a trusted advisor to Bush.
In 1981, Baker was appointed as Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan. He served in this role until 1985, when he was appointed as Secretary of the Treasury, a position he held until 1988. Baker's tenure as Secretary of the Treasury was marked by his successful management of the U.S. economy during a period of economic uncertainty.
In 1989, Baker was appointed as Secretary of State by President George H.W. Bush. He played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during the end of the Cold War, and was instrumental in building a coalition of countries to support the Gulf War in 1990.
After leaving government service, Baker continued to be involved in politics and public service. He served as the co-chairman of the Iraq Study Group, which was tasked with examining American policy in the region. Baker also served as the chief legal advisor to George W. Bush during the highly controversial election recounts of 2000.
In recognition of his years of dedicated civil service, Baker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991. He has been widely praised for his diplomatic skills and his ability to navigate complex political situations with grace and tact.
Baker met his wife, Mary Stuart McHenry, on spring break in Bermuda, and the two were married in 1953. They have four children together and have been described as having a strong and supportive marriage.
James Baker's legacy as a statesman and political leader is one of pragmatism and diplomacy. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to work across party lines and build consensus on challenging issues. His deep knowledge of economics, law, and foreign policy made him a valuable asset to the administrations he served under, and he is remembered as one of the most influential political figures of his time.