James Pendleton “Penny” Baber, died Monday, May 22, 2017. 

He is survived by a son, Clayton Anderson Baber (Kay), two daughters, Catherine B. Fleischman (Luke), and Courtenay J. Baber (Charles Davis); three grandchildren,  Jacqueline B. Alward (Tyler), Carol B. Frazier (Kevin) and John Anderson Baber (Lacey); six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Maria M. Baber; a beloved friend, Angelene Pell; and many close family members and friends.

Mr. Baber was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn S. Baber, his parents, Mary Tyler and Frank Howard Baber Sr., and his brother Frank Howard Baber, Jr. 

Mr. Baber was born July 29, 1936, in his family home in Columbia, and lived his entire life in Cumberland County.  He was an avid reader and a deep thinker who articulated beautifully his thoughts.  He was a man of many interests: people, farming, opera, theatre, travel, the arts, dancing, cooking and a good party.  As a child, he delighted in model airplanes.  As a teenager he built his own car and was president of the local Camera Club. He was active in his community and served on the board of directors of Deep Run Hunt Club, was a member of the Ruritan Club, the Historical Society, and a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts.  He was on the vestry of Saint James Episcopal Church, and served as a delegate to the Council on the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Mr. Baber graduated from Cumberland High School, the University of Richmond, and the University of Virginia School of Law. He served as the Commonwealth’s Attorney, the County Attorney, and the Commissioner of Accounts for Cumberland County. This year Mr. Baber was awarded the Tradition of Excellence by the Virginia State Bar.

A graveside service will be Friday, May 26, 2 p.m. down the lane at 700 Cartersville Road/Rt. 45. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Center for Rural Culture, P.O. Box 639, Goochland, Virginia 23063, St. James Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 24 Cartersville, Virginia 23027 or a charity of your choice.