James Baker, Ph.D.

2024 Distinguished Alumni

B.S. Pre-Med '71

Dr. James Baker is a lifelong Oklahoman who graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s in pre-professional studies in 1971. He earned his doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1974 and completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Oklahoma from 1975-1979.

James has had a successful boutique oral surgery private practice in the Oklahoma City area for 43 years. During this time, he held an academic appointment at OU, educating oral and maxillofacial surgery residents.

Among his roles in numerous civic and professional organizations, James served as chairman of the section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at St. Anthony’s Hospital and Deaconess Hospital. In 1998 he founded Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Partners, which aims to ensure oral surgeons succeed in private practice. Since 2020 he has served as chairman emeritus.

James  is a board member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, whereat he raises funds for academic programs researching areas related to his dental specialty. The association also funds cleft surgeries and craniofacial needs in underserved countries.

In addition to his professional life, James is an avid long-distance runner who has completed over 60 marathons and numerous 50- and 100-mile ultramarathons.   
James has two daughters, Leslie Stewart and Lori Prinz, and four grandchildren who continue to learn from "Poppy's" legacy of family and professional life. His loving wife, Melissa Farrow, continues to support his lifelong passion to give back more than he’s been given.