James M. Baker (born 1942) is an American politician who served as the 54th mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, from 2001 to 2013.
After completing high school there, he joined the United States Air Force.
Following his discharge he joined VISTA, the domestic Peace Corps program.
Baker has held staff and executive positions with private and governmental agencies including: Model Cities Program; the Northeast Federal Credit Union; the Governor's Office; and Community Action of Greater Wilmington.
Mayor Baker is the author of "The Genuine American Music," a two-volume encyclopedia of black musicians, which tells the story of black music in America through text, rare photos, and original illustrations.